SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 28, 2026) – The Western New England Athletic Training Department is thrilled to announce the hiring of Larisa Tayler to the staff ahead of the upcoming 2026 season. Tayler joins WNE with an abundance of athletic training experience. 

Tayler comes to Western New England after recently graduating from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), earning a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science before receiving her Master of Science in athletic training from CCSU this past May. Outside of the classroom, Tayler brings plenty of experience in the athletic training field, most recently having worked as an athletic training student at Bristol Eastern High School. Tayler's additional experiences include work with Quinnipiac University's (NCAA DI) men's ice hockey team, as well as coverage of a variety of sports at her alma mater. 

Tayler holds multiple professional certifications, including Board of Certification (BOC) certification in athletic training, certification as an emergency medical technician, and American Heart Association CPR for Professional Rescuers and AED certification. Additionally, Tayler belongs to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, the Eastern Athletic Trainers Association, the Connecticut Athletic Trainers Association, and the Athletic Training Graduate Society. 

"Larisa brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to Western New England Athletic Training. We are thrilled to have her join our Sports Medicine team." said Mike Vallee, MS, LAT, ATC, ITAT, Head Athletic Trainer at WNE.  

Tayler will provide athletic training coverage for several Western New England teams as the 2026 athletic season begins on Tuesday, September 1.