Head Athletic TrainerWhat inspired you to enter the field of education, or got you started on your professional path?
When I was in high school I started working with my church youth group as a youth leader. I continued to work with the high school group until I graduated college. I really enjoyed working with the students and watching them learn new concepts and grow as a person. At the same time as I was working with my church, I was working as a student athletic trainer in high school.
I loved to be around sports and athletes.
I knew that I didn’t have the talent to complete at the level it required but I had a desire to be involved with sports in some capacity. So I combined my interests in both sports and teaching young people into becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer. I knew this career could take me many places.
The collegiate level is where I wanted to be. I feel that getting to know the student side of our student-athletes is important. That is why I love to teach.
I think it is also important to be a role model and be available to our student-athletes. Encouraging and opening their eyes to new adventures and experiences that they may not have thought about. After they accomplish all they have worked hard for is rewarding in the classroom as well as on the field.
I’ll always remember a student athlete I was working with return to football after recovering from a knee injury. It was his first game back and after he ran for a touchdown he pointed at me and smiled. It was exciting to see that he was able to return to the field and excel after his hard work.
I am still inspired by the student-athletes themselves. They teach us everyday when they come in the training room. Their passions for their sport, personalities and desire to compete keeps me going.