Choosing Bridgewater State University was gratifying. I cannot recommend BSU enough for anyone looking to study physical education or athletic coaching, or to simply learn how to be a better teacher or coach.
Growing up, Brian Caffelle, G’24, watched his father work as a physical education teacher for students with disabilities and it made an impression.
“The amount of joy he was able to bring to those kids every day in a setting where they could move around, exercise and gain confidence in themselves is something that always stood out to me,” Caffelle said.
To advance his career, he opted to continue his education at Bridgewater State University where he enrolled in the master’s in physical education program with a coaching concentration.
When he decided to come to BSU, it was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; Caffelle felt he needed an online degree option. What sold him on Bridgewater was the coaching education courses the school offered.
“Both the flexibility and course catalog made choosing Bridgewater State an easy choice for my masters,” Caffelle said.
Despite learning remotely, he was still able to connect with like-minded educators and was exposed to professors who Caffelle said were, “not just knowledgeable but also empathetic and personable. They were more than willing to meet my needs as a student and made the learning experience invaluable.”
His advisor, Dr. Jennifer Mead, associate professor Health and Kinesiology, was particularly helpful in her guidance.
“Without her, my experience would not have been the same and I am grateful for all of her help,” Caffelle said.
Through the Thornburg Graduate Student Professional Development Scholarship fund he was also given the opportunity to attend the National Wrestling Development Coaches Association national convention held in Florida this past summer.
The experience allowed him to connect with other college and high school coaches from across the country.
“This conference had such an impact on me, hearing about other people’s personal journeys within the sport was captivating,” Caffelle said. “Without this scholarship opportunity, I never would have had the financial support to attend a conference like this.”
Following in his father’s footsteps, today he works as a physical educator at the East Middle School in Braintree and is also the head wrestling coach at Braintree High School, a sport he participated in.
“As a PE teacher, I get to connect with students in a different light compared to traditional classroom teachers...Overall I work hard to make it fun and enjoyable regardless of their athletic background or skill,” Caffelle said. “As a coach, I get to make an impact on a student-athlete’s life.
“Wrestling taught me how to be accountable, disciplined and confident. I get to pass on that knowledge and life lessons to other student-athletes.”
That includes the knowledge, resources and opportunities he gained at Bridgewater.
“Choosing Bridgewater State University was gratifying. I cannot recommend BSU enough for anyone looking to study physical education or athletic coaching, or to simply learn how to be a better teacher or coach,” Caffelle said.
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