General | 2/7/2025 9:00:00 AM
BALTIMORE, Md. (Feb. 7, 2025) -- Morgan State University wants to shine a spotlight on two individuals: Bella Bradford and DaVonna Cola. These two women are wonderful athletic trainers here at Morgan State. With their hard work, determination, and passion for the job, they have both been accepted to work at the East-West Shrine Bowl and the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Bella Bradford, an athletic trainer at Morgan State University, has been invited to participate in the prestigious HBCU Combine at the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on Saturday, February 22, 2025. This opportunity highlights her dedication to the field and her commitment to advancing representation in athletic training.
Bradford works closely with both Morgan State's Football and Acrobatics & Tumbling teams, bringing her expertise and passion to student-athletes. She earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science from Southern Utah University before pursuing a master's in athletic training at Oregon State University.
Reflecting on her journey, Bradford acknowledges the challenges she has faced as a minority in the field. "Athletic training is a very small community, and people who look like me aren't widely represented, especially at higher levels of sports. That was a big challenge," she shared.
Despite the obstacles, Bradford emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and a strong support system.
"Facing yourself, having confidence, and leaning on your support system is essential," said Bradford. "This field is mentally and physically demanding, so it's necessary to have people who will be there to motivate and push you."
Bradford's dedication to athletic training continues to inspire future professionals, and her invitation to the HBCU Combine is a testament to her hard work and perseverance.
During her time at Morgan State University, DaVonna Cola served as the Head Football Athletic Trainer, bringing her expertise and passion for sports medicine to the program. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training/Trainer and later obtained her Master of Science from Logan University.
Cola's love for athletic training began in high school when she took an introductory class taught by her school's athletic trainer, Lisa. "The more we got into the lessons, the more it sounded like the perfect career for me," she recalled.
With eight years of experience as a certified and licensed athletic trainer, Cola has worked in various settings, from high school athletics to the collegiate level. Currently serving as a Head Football Athletic Trainer at the Division I level, she is also dedicated to mentoring HBCU undergraduate students aspiring to pursue careers in athletic training.
On January 30, 2025, Cola experienced a momentous milestone in her athletic journey by attending the East-West Shrine Bowl in Arlington, Texas—a prestigious event that brought together top college players from across the nation. Reflecting on her time at the bowl, she spoke about the rigorous schedule.
"Going into it, I had no idea what to expect, but the early morning practices and nightly treatment sessions made it feel like fall camp all over again. Every athlete there had one goal in mind—getting drafted into the NFL."
As Cola bids farewell to Morgan State, she leaves her students with words of encouragement.
"I urge all students to take initiative, conduct their own research, and seek opportunities beyond their comfort zones," Cola said. "Apply for internships—even those that may not seem directly related to your passion—because you never know who you'll meet along the way. Stay focused, and never forget your 'why.'"
Bradford and Cola's achievements showcase the dedication and excellence of Morgan State's athletic training staff. Their invitations to the HBCU Combine and East-West Shrine Bowl reflect their hard work and impact in the field. As they continue their journeys, they leave behind a legacy of inspiration for future athletic trainers.
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.