Springfield College Alumnus Living a Life Filled with Service to Others

By: Damon Markiewicz

William “Bill” Aronson, G’86, CAGS’86, came to Springfield College driven by a passion for graduate-level counseling, with a particular interest in supporting/counseling athletes. Over the years, he has forged a dynamic dual career in both sports coaching and psychology, emerging as a respected leader in integrating mental health awareness into the athletic world. His work is centered around a holistic approach that values both performance and emotional well-being.

It was the alignment between the Humanics philosophy at Springfield College and Aronson’s own personal values that enabled him to immerse himself in coursework and practicum experiences designed to equip him with the tools to support athletes. He not only values their athletic performance, but he also cherishes their personal growth and development.

“Springfield College gave me the foundation I needed in so many areas,” explained  Aronson. “I had some very impactful professors and mentors at Springfield College that really gave me what I was looking for from an educational experience. Professors Al Petitpas, Delight Champagne, Mimi Murray, Forrest Tyson, Vern Cox, William Sullivan, William Considine, Sara Goodman, Ed Steitz, Frank Wolcott, and James Ragonnet; just to name some of the individuals who had such a positive impact on me.” 

Aronson went on to add, "Dr. Petitpas was a visionary that started the “first” Athletic Counseling Program in the country. Al guided my learning, my research, and my passion and my thesis. Dr. Steitz hired me to be the Head Men’s Tennis Coach after one season as the assistant during my graduate education at SC." 

Aronson would go on to spend one year as a Research Fellow at the Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University under Dr. Richard Lapchick. 

"Richard is a pioneer in social change, justice, race relations, and degree completion programs for student-athletes," explained Aronson.  

While also working at the Center, Aronson had the opportunity to learn from Keith Lee, Tom “Satch” Sanders, and Che Che Vidal, who encouraged him to follow his dreams. Aronson completed his Master’s Thesis investigating "Stress Levels in Women Tennis Athletes," and completed his Doctoral Dissertation on "Retirement and Locus of Control of Retired Collegiate Athletes." He completed a Practicum at Fresno State under Linda Gannaway and Bob Knudsen in academic support for student-athletes. Ric Brown served as his Chair at CSPP Fresno.

Growing up in New England, Aronson discovered an early love for tennis and skiing. He learned the game of tennis at Indian Acres Camp in Maine, sparking a passion that would shape the course of his life. Aronson was interviewed recently about his passion for both tennis and skiing. He stated, ”From an early age with great coaches and also my parents stayed out of it.” 

For nearly four decades, he has served as a Certified Tennis Professional, earning credentials from both the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). Aronson worked for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) as the Administrator of Sport Science and organized the USA Tennis Parents Guide Book. Known for his commitment to mentoring and teaching, Aronson has built a reputation as one of the most devoted professionals in tennis, adaptive sports, and sports education—areas of focus that were further strengthened during his years on Alden Street. Aronson coached for many years at the famed “Harry Hopman Tennis Academy” in Florida.

“During my graduate studies at Springfield College, I was able to also get into coaching and teaching," explained Aronson. “My experiences at Springfield College only deepened my understanding of how mental health and counseling intersect with athletic performance.”

Since earning his master’s degree, Aronson has become widely recognized for his excellence in racquet sports, sports psychology, and adaptive coaching. A prominent leader in advancing adaptive sports awareness, he founded the Boston Wheelchair and Tennis Association, creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities. His dedication has taken him to venues such as the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Eagle Tournament of Champions in New York, where he has conducted clinics that inspire and educate. Aronson’s extensive work with athletes with special needs also led him to serve as a Certified Special Olympics Tennis Coach, further cementing his legacy as a champion for inclusion and mentorship in sport.

“My love for coaching comes from a belief that tennis is more than a sport, it’s a vehicle for personal growth, community, and lifelong learning,” explained Aronson, whose words and career have shown that he treasures the opportunity to mentor athletes.

Aronson’s coaching experiences have also taken him globally, traveling and teaching the sport of tennis in Cuba, Malaysia, Jamaica, Thailand, Venezuela, Australia, Brazil, Uruguay, Nevis, St. Kitz, England, just to name a few. His continued advocacy for adaptive sports has led him to serve to tournament director for the Caracas Challenger in Venezuela.

“I have been blessed to be able to travel and see many different parts of the world,” expressed Aronson. “Experiences I will always treasure.”

In addition to his tennis expertise and his career as a Sport Psychologist, Aronson has served as an Adjunct Professor at several universities, teaching courses in Sport Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and Sport Ethics. These have included:  University of Miami, Florida International University, Barry University, St. Thomas University, Florida Memorial University, Miami Dade College, and United States Sports Academy. In addition, Aronson is a Certified Professional Ski Instructors Association (PSIA). He has been described by his peers as an “invaluable instructor for anyone, young, old, experienced or newbie.”

Aronson’s dedication to service has always reached far beyond the realm of Sports. He obtained his PhD at the California School of Professional Psychology at Fresno in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Behavioral Medicine and Health. He completed his APA Internship at the University of Rochester where he was also the Men’s Assistant Tennis Coach under Peter Lyman. A Gulf War veteran, he served as a Clinical Psychologist and Captain on Active duty in the United States Air Force from 1996 to 1999 at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. His work was fueled by a deep commitment to supporting the mental health of service members. After completing his active duty, Dr. Aronson carried forward this mission at the Miami VA, serving as a Research Health Scientist with a focus on Spinal Cord Research—furthering his impact on the lives of those in need. He completed his MBA at Plymouth State University in 2009 through the GI Bill.

Now splitting time living in both Miami and Colebrook, NH, Aronson is continuously guided by the mission of supporting people in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership and service to humanity.

“I always enjoy helping kids, families, veterans, and athletes, and that commitment can be traced back to what I learned at Springfield College,” explained Aronson. “I spend a lot of my time now leading adaptive sport, tennis, and skiing clinics for kids and families in need of sports to help them see themselves as a person/athlete; not a disabled person."  

Aronson has taught Alpine Skiing for many years for the Winter Sports Clinic at Snowmass in Colorado for military veterans and their families. He has taught skiing at many resorts around the country. He was an intern at Winter Park Resort in Colorado under Hal O’Leary; the father of adaptive skiing. It’s always about giving back, and living our Humanics philosophy, that is what he always has taken away from his time at Springfield College. 

"The Triangle and Spirit, Mind, and Body are so relevant and necessary for folks around the world," explained Aronson.

Aronson’s career has been a remarkable blend of professional excellence, military service, academic contributions, and a dedication to inclusivity in sports. His impact on the world is a legacy that continues to inspire others.

“I was very fortunate to have been around some remarkable people while I was at Springfield College; individuals who were always willing to help, listen, guide, and make sure people were doing well,” explained Aronson. “I appreciated being able to learn from so many individuals/mentors on campus who cared about me and others; and that is something I loved about Springfield College, and that I carry on to this day. Thank you SC from the bottom of my heart."

Aronson is always happy to hear from alumni, and can be contacted at wraronson@earthlink.net .