From the Outfield to the Classroom
Ryan Westmoreland, a native of Portsmouth, always dreamed of playing for the Red Sox. But unlike most young baseball players in New England, his dream came true.
Drafted in 2008, the outfielder joined the Red Sox organization where he launched a promising MLB career. Unfortunately, that career was cut short after two brain surgeries, the first in 2010 and another that ended his playing days. Despite these challenges, Westmoreland pursued his education, enrolling in Northeastern University while still playing.
“I always knew I wanted to finish my degree,” Westmoreland said. “Even while I was still playing, my agent reached out to me about Northeastern because it was known for its excellent online program, and I started to take a class here and there while I was playing.”
But it wasn’t until his surgeries finally led to his retirement from baseball in 2013 that he began in earnest to finish his degree. Though he was by no means not busy at the time. Only six days after starting classes, his first daughter was born.
“Balancing school with being a new dad was a lot,” Westmoreland added. “Especially in the beginning when I was taking classes alongside younger students straight out of high school while I hadn’t taken a math class in years. But eventually I got my groove and was able to complete my degree in a little less than four years.”
Westmoreland graduated in early 2024 with a major in Liberal Studies and a minor in Business. He appreciated the flexibility of the Liberal Studies program, which allowed him to explore various subjects and prepare for diverse situations.
Balancing his studies with family life, Westmoreland welcomed his second daughter while completing his degree. He found courses in leadership and communications particularly beneficial, aligning with his passion for coaching. Currently coaching at UMass Dartmouth, he values giving back to young athletes and finds the experience rewarding.
Westmoreland emphasizes the importance of time management for online students and recommends Northeastern’s program for its smooth navigation and strong support. His journey from professional baseball to college graduate showcases a spirit of resilience and commitment to lifelong learning.
For other MLB players considering education, Westmoreland offers encouragement: “It’s a lot smoother than I thought it would be. Northeastern was good communication-wise so I always felt supported.”
