Meet Regina! Regina is a physical therapist from Ocean Township, New Jersey. She has an 18-month old son and another baby on the way! Sports have played a significant role in shaping Regina’s life—from her early days as a player to her current role in aiding athletes and helping them reach their goals.
Regina’s journey into sports began at the age of four when she began playing rec soccer. Over the years, she transitioned from recreation teams to traveling soccer, to starting lacrosse at twelve years old. During her high school years at Ocean Township High School she actively participated in both soccer and lacrosse. During her junior year, Regina played a crucial role on the soccer field by securing the Central Jersey Champions title for OTHS’s soccer team, where she scored one of the penalty kicks in the final game.
While Regina didn’t pursue collegiate sports, athletics remained a cornerstone of her life. She went to college at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Biology and Italian, and later earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Sacred Heart University. Today, as a specialized sports medicine physical therapist, Regina dedicates herself to helping athletes of all ages recover from sports-related injuries and return to the activities they love.
Now Regina lives in Arizona with her husband Merritt, her 18-month-old son Dante, and her dog Kauai, and is pregnant with her second baby. Regina continues to prioritize an active lifestyle. She is an avid exerciser, runner, and a big fan of group fitness classes. She has conquered over a dozen half marathons and two full marathons. Regina’s commitment to an active life aligns with her passion for inspiring and assisting her patients, all while aiming to be a positive role model for her growing family. Explore Regina’s insights on how sports have profoundly and positively influenced her life!
Q: What sports did you play growing up?
I played soccer and lacrosse. I played soccer my whole life since age 4 in rec leagues, traveling teams and school teams and then began lacrosse around age 12. I was on varsity soccer and lacrosse teams in high school. While on soccer I was always a defensive player and position, for lacrosse I was playing offense. I was awarded MVP offense player my senior year of high school for the lacrosse team. I was most proud of myself for being able to play lacrosse that final season of high school because I had unfortunately torn my ACL, MCL and meniscus during the fall of my senior year during soccer season.
Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?
Honestly no!
Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?
Mia Hamm, she was the ultimate 90s soccer star and always seemed so confident on and off the field.
Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?
One of my favorite memories was winning the Central Jersey Championship in high school soccer. It was a huge highlight for my team especially because we had to win in a penalty shootout which was so nerve racking and such a high pressure situation. For lacrosse I was just so happy and proud to be able to be cleared to return to play my final season after my knee injury and surgery. The best memories are usually laughing and having fun with my teammates after practice or on buses to games!
Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?
Because I only played on team sports I truly understand how important communication, loyalty, commitment and perseverance is as a person. I made lifelong friendships, memories and had fun most importantly. Sports allowed me to gain confidence in myself, overcome challenges and grow as an individual.
I was also inspired to become a physical therapist mainly because of my personal experience and the physical therapists during my ACL rehab. They were so supportive and helpful and top notch that I realized how important that role is for an athlete. I am glad I can help out others and pay it back to those that need guidance and expertise during a difficult time in their athletic career.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?
Have fun and enjoy every moment. Make friends with your teammates. Don’t be afraid of tough coaches, confide in your teammates and it can help you through the tough times Also it’s okay to take time off if you’re overworked, injured or in pain. I see many young athletes constantly injured and almost never taking time off. Health and wellness is most important! And seek professional help like a physical therapist or sports medicine doctor if needed.
Coach Rachel 