National Nurses Week Spotlight: Pride Student-Athletes Balancing Athletics and Nursing
Courtesy of Bella Tavares (M '26)
National Nurses Week is a time to honor the compassion and commitment of those entering the healthcare field. Regis College is filled with student-athletes with dreams of becoming nurses. The Athletics department is celebrating by featuring three student-athletes who meet the demands of their respective sport while pursing their degree in nursing.
WESTON, MA -- Eddie Djatcha (Men's Volleyball, '27), Allie Bietz (Women's Volleyball, '27), and Serenity Ayala (Women's Basketball, Women's Lacrosse, '26) are each pursuing a career in nursing while representing the Pride on their respective teams. Their paths are uniquely challenging—but also incredibly inspiring.
What Inspired Them to Pursue Nursing
The decision to pursue nursing comes from a place of empathy and purpose for these three student-athletes.
Allie was motivated by her father's cancer journey. "After watching the care my dad received during his chemotherapy treatment, I felt inspired to pursue a career where I could provide that same level of support to others," she shared.
Serenity has felt drawn to the field from an early age. "I have always had a passion for helping those in need. Nurses are there for people in their most vulnerable moments, and that sense of trust and comfort really means something to me."
For Eddie, the decision was rooted in purpose. "I chose nursing because it's one of the few careers where I can make a meaningful difference in someone's life every single day."
Balancing a Demanding Course Load with Athletics
Balancing clinical hours, lectures, and athletic commitments demands not just discipline —but a personalized approach to time management, as seen in the routines of Eddie, Allie, and Serenity.
"I rely on strict scheduling and time management," said Eddie, whose daily routine includes morning lectures, afternoon practices, and late-night study blocks.
Allie takes a more technological approach. "I use my calendar app and planner on my phone to manage assignments and practices. I even use bus rides to get work done."
For Serenity, she admitted the balance was difficult at first, especially being a two-sport athlete. "There were a lot of late nights and little sleep. Nursing requires intense studying, and sports gave me a couple of hours each day to mentally reset. I've had to learn how crucial rest is."
A Day in the Life
Time management is essential for every athlete, but nursing student-athletes take it to the next level.
Eddie starts his day at 8 a.m. with back-to-back lectures, followed by afternoon practice, recovery, and studying until 11 p.m.
Allie's weekdays are a mix of class, practice, and homework. "I wake up at 8:30, have class until the afternoon, then head to the gym at 3:30 for practice. Most of my studying happens between 7 p.m. and midnight."
Serenity, being in her third year, balances clinical hours and athletics. "I start clinical early, head straight to practice after, and often eat on the go. When I don't have clinical, I'm in class or the lab. Sundays are my catch-up and rest day."
How Athletics Prepared Them for Nursing
For nursing student-athletes, the habits built in the classroom and on the field go hand-in-hand —each shaping the other in ways that foster discipline, balance, and quick decision-making.
Eddie said, "Being an athlete shaped how I uphold myself. I'm held to a higher standard by my teammates and coaches and that standard motivates me academically."
Allie recognizes her discipline. "The time management and structure I've developed help me succeed in nursing. I make it a point to schedule time for things I enjoy, like crocheting or watching TV, to maintain balance."
Serenity emphasized her quick thinking. "In both sports and nursing, you make split-second decisions. Being an athlete taught me to think fast and communicate clearly, especially under pressure."
Advice for Future Student-Athlete Nurses
Despite the challenges, all three encourage fellow student-athletes not to be discouraged by the workload.
"Stay dedicated—because one day, you'll be making a real difference," said Eddie.
Allie says, "Keep track of due dates and make use of every free moment. Multitasking and time management are key."
"Just commit," said Serenity. "Don't shy away from nursing just because it's hard. As long as you stay focused and push through, you can do it —and it will all pay off."
Eddie, Allie, and Serenity are not just future nurses—they're student-athletes and role models who prove that with purpose, structure, and heart, anything is possible. At Regis College, students don't have to choose between their passion for sports and a rigorous nursing major—the supportive environment and flexible resources make it possible to excel in both. This National Nurses Week, the Pride proudly celebrates their stories and the incredible impact they're preparing to make—on the court, in the classroom, and in the world of healthcare.