From the Berkshires to Fort Drum: MCLA Alum Finds His Calling in Tactical Athletic Training

November 11, 2026

When Collin Recore graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 2020 with a degree in athletic training and a minor in biology, he knew he wanted a career that would challenge him. He didn't know it would lead to work with the U.S. Army.

Today, Recore serves as an H2F Brigade Lead Athletic Trainer with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum in Watertown, New York, working as a civilian contractor with the conventional Army’s most deployed unit. In a field traditionally associated with sports teams and training rooms, he has carved out a path in one of athletic training's most demanding non-traditional settings.

"I truly love the tactical setting because it provides the opportunity to work with a motivated, highly skilled, mission-focused team of civilians and service members," Recore says. His team works to provide soldiers with the best possible resources, from helping to prevent musculoskeletal injury to training combat medics in hands-on skills like taping and bracing injuries.

After graduation, Recore went on to earn his master's degree from Alfred University while working as a graduate assistant athletic trainer before transitioning into his current job. What drew him to the U.S. Army was as much about its values as it was about the work itself. "The opportunity to work with a unique and driven group of professionals that place an emphasis on work-life balance and family time" made the decision clear.

Recore credits his time at MCLA, including clinical rotations at MCLA and Williams College Athletics, with preparing him for the unpredictable nature of the work, a constant across every corner of the field. 

He identifies one faculty member in particular for inspiring his path. "Professor Pete Hoyt was the driving factor for me to continue to explore different job settings within athletic training," he says. "Pete's guidance, mentorship, and advice gave me the confidence and curiosity to explore the collegiate setting, and then ultimately land in the tactical setting." 

Professor Hoyt says he could tell Recore had tremendous potential to succeed in his chosen field. “With this potential and his incredible work ethic, he took advantage of every opportunity to get to where he is today,” Dr. Hoyt says. “I am very proud of him and his accomplishments. His qualities and strengths as a professional are a perfect fit for his career.”

For current MCLA students considering a similar path, Recore has straightforward advice: keep an open mind. "If the traditional athletic training setting does not align with your personal life or overall interests, the military setting can provide a fulfilling role," he says. He also encourages students to make connections with those already working in tactical settings to better understand its differences from traditional roles. 

Recore is proud to have found challenging work that is also meaningful to him. "If you have interest in a career in which you can see and do very cool things, help some of our nation's elite service members, and enjoy work-life balance, this setting may be the perfect fit for you."