Lee Applequist, a 2016 Utica University alumnus and physical therapist for the Chicago Bulls, visited campus on April 16 to talk about his journey in the physical therapy field and how it led him to working with the NBA team. 

Applequist’s passion first started in 2006 when he watched famous NFL player Donovan McNabb become injured on the field.

“I watched how the medical staff responded to his injury and it interested me,” he said. ”I knew that is what I wanted to do with my future.”

Applequist started his education at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, earning a bachelor of science degree in athletic training, and continued his education at Utica University, then Utica College, to earn a doctorate in physical therapy in 2016. 

After college, he interned with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015, then began his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans G-League, 76ers and now has been with the Chicago Bulls since last year. 

Being a physical therapist for a professional athletic team involves numerous tasks and responsibilities, such as overseeing medical services, practices and games coverage, assisting medical staff on game days, working with players during road games and assisting in coverage of NBA events. 

“It is very rewarding to be at PT at the highest level of basketball,” Applequist said

He has many achievements since he started working in the professional sports arena, including  being affiliated with the NBA G-League Delaware Blue Coats when they won the 2023 championship and was also recognized as part of the NBA’s G-League Athletic Training Staff Of The Year for the 2023 -2024 season. 

Applequist provided a lot of encouragement not just to physical therapy students, but also to everyone who wants to achieve their goals and told the audience not to give up. 

“There were a lot of pathways to get to where I am now,” he said. “No matter what, I got through. I never give up.”