CMU DPT graduate reflects on Olympic journey and the program's impact

Michael Shirilla has played soccer since he was young. During high school, he sustained an injury where he ended up receiving physical therapy for rehab. “My physical therapist had my back, and I was able to go on to play soccer in college,” he stated. His passion for the game and interest in sports medicine lead him to physical therapy where he now enjoys being a strong support for soccer players across the county.

Central Michigan University (CMU) is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program this year. Michael, a 2006 graduate, recently reflected on his remarkable journey during the Paris Olympics in his recent role as a physical therapist for the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team.

Michael Shirilla credits his success to the foundational skills and mentorship he received at CMU. “I was drawn to CMU’s DPT program because of its accreditation, state-of-the-art facilities, and its strong reputation,” he said. “The last year focused entirely on clinical rotations was especially appealing.”

The CMU DPT program is nationally recognized for cultivating highly skilled professionals dedicated to optimizing movement, health, and overall well-being of their patients. The DPT program embraces core values such as accountability, compassion, and social responsibility, ensuring that students are well-prepared to engage in meaningful care.

During his time in the DPT program, Michael formed connections with classmates and benefitted from the guidance of faculty mentors like Dr. Timothy Zipple and Dr. Debbie Silkwood-Sherer. Those relationships fostered a collaborative environment and there was a lot of support and encouragement to follow your passion. He recalled being encouraged to push himself toward the “world’s sport” of soccer because his mentors knew he loved it, which was important as he reflected on his time at CMU.

As CMU’s DPT program continues to evolve, it remains committed to producing skilled, reflective, and ethical physical therapists who can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of their patients. Michael Shirilla’s journey exemplifies the program’s success and the profound influence it has on its graduates, inspiring the next generation of physical therapists to reach new heights in their careers.

These experiences can lay the groundwork for a memorable career and did just that for Michael and his career in sports medicine. He has provided care for the past three U20 Men’s National team cycles and World Cups, a handful of camps with both the Senior Men’s and Women’s National Teams and the most recent U23 Olympic Men’s National team at the Paris Olympic Games. His work emphasizes that sports medicine extends beyond the field, encompassing the hours leading up to and following the game. He recommends to any young professional wanting to work in sports medicine to do the little things consistently, which opens doors for bigger opportunities.

With a solid foundation and a network of supportive mentors and peers, future graduates of CMU’s DPT program are well-prepared to take on the challenges of the physical therapy profession, making a lasting impact in the lives of their patients and the communities they serve.