Waugh will cross the UAB commencement stage on Saturday, May 3, and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.For Tyler Waugh, nursing and baseball share a common thread: Both are team sports that require dedication, precision and unwavering support. Over the past four years, the student-athlete has seamlessly balanced the rigors of UAB Baseball practices and game schedules alongside a demanding academic workload. Now, as he prepares to graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and embark on a career in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit at UAB Hospital, Waugh reflects on his journey with gratitude, cherishing the lessons learned both on the field and in the classroom.
Baseball was an inseparable part of Waugh’s life growing up — some of his earliest and fondest memories were made at the ballpark. Yet alongside his passion for the game, he always envisioned a future in health care. As Waugh prepared to apply for college, he saw an opportunity to blend his two greatest aspirations. His dedication paid off during his senior year of high school when he was named a Dean’s Nursing Scholar, earning priority admission to the UAB School of Nursing. For him, choosing to become a Blazer was not just a decision — it was the perfect fit.
“I wanted to play baseball coming out of high school, and I also knew that the UAB School of Nursing is one of the top-rated nursing schools in the country,” Waugh said. “So, when I got recruited to play at UAB, all the pieces fell together and it was a no-brainer.”
Throughout his time as a Blazer, Waugh maintained a positive mindset by being present in each moment as he embraced the opportunity to pursue both of his passions — for education and for the game. He quickly realized that staying organized and having a supportive village around him were essential to being a successful student-athlete. Waugh credits the unwavering support of his professors, coaching staff, friends and family for keeping him grounded and motivated along the way.
“What Tyler has accomplished over the last four years is highly impressive in a world today where the term ‘student-athlete’ is becoming less and less a true statement,” said UAB head baseball coach Casey Dunn. “What Tyler is, is truly a student-athlete. He epitomizes what those words are supposed to mean in the way that he takes great pride in both his academic and professional success, along with putting everything he has into being a successful Division 1 athlete.”
As Waugh looks ahead to the start of his nursing career, he is deeply grateful for the invaluable lessons he gained as a student-athlete. Juggling the demands of baseball and academics challenged him to develop strong time management and communication skills — tools he knows will be essential as he steps into the world of health care.
As Waugh looks ahead to the start of his nursing career, he is deeply grateful for the invaluable lessons he gained as a student-athlete. “Tyler navigated the demanding worlds of his sport and rigorous academics with the poise and dedication of a seasoned professional,” said Allyson Sanders, instructor in the UAB School of Nursing. “He is a phenomenal team player, always lifting those around him. With that infectious bubbly personality and his collaborative spirit, I have no doubt he’ll bring that same care and excellence to his future as an amazing nurse.”
Waugh will cross the UAB commencement stage on Saturday, May 3, and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. He knows that, whether he is on the baseball field, caring for patients in a clinical setting or studying alongside his classmates, he will carry the Blazer name with pride.
“To be a Blazer is to have a commitment to excellence. You have to be willing to give it your all on and off the field,” Waugh said. “I will remember the prestige that comes with wearing the Blazer green scrubs and wear them with a lot of pride.”