Luke Bard’s Journey: From the Mound to the Classroom
Luke Bard, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, has successfully transitioned from professional sports to academia, completing his degree at Northeastern University. His story serves as an inspiration for other athletes considering furthering their education while balancing their careers.
Bard, who hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, initially attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta. However, he chose to transfer to Northeastern to finish his degree, following in the footsteps of his brother, who had also pursued online classes after his playing career.
After undergoing hip surgery in 2021, Bard began his academic journey at Northeastern while still playing baseball in the 2022-2023 seasons. He retired from professional baseball shortly after and focused on completing his Interdisciplinary Studies degree.
“Going back to school at Northeastern was really a no-brainer for me,” Bard said. “I was able to transfer almost all of my credits and could slowly chip away at my studies at my own pace. Plus, I met a lot of good people along the way.”
The program at Northeastern appealed to Bard due to its flexibility and ability to maximize credit transfer. He completed his degree in five semesters, starting with just two classes to ease back into the academic routine. As he progressed, he found it easier to incorporate studying into his daily schedule.
Bard faced some challenges along the way, particularly in navigating the technicalities of credit transfer. However, he praised the support he received from Northeastern’s staff, including Ari Schaaff, his academic advisor who helped him overcome these hurdles. He also commended the quality of professors and overall experience at the university.
“I am so grateful for the support I received from Northeastern,” Bard said. “They really cared about my success at every step of the way, and worked with me to get past any challenges.”
Now that his baseball career has concluded due to his shoulder injury, Bard is preparing to enter the business world. He’s set to take a position in sales for a construction company in 2025, putting his newly acquired degree to use.
For other athletes considering pursuing their education, Bard offers encouraging advice:
“Go for it. It wasn’t super easy, but it’s more than a good deal. To get a degree from a good college felt like a no-brainer.”
He emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself and integrating studies into a daily routine, noting that the experience becomes more enjoyable when you can see the practical applications of what you’re learning.
Bard’s experience highlights the value of perseverance and the importance of education beyond sports. His journey from professional baseball to completing his degree at Northeastern University demonstrates that it’s never too late to invest in one’s education and prepare for life after athletics.
