Currently the Lead Athletic Trainer for Memorial Hospital, Ashley Dutcher has had an influential role with all of Memorial’s partner schools for many years, launching and implementing Memorial’s sports medicine services and keeping countless athletes safe throughout Ohio. Ashley has a Master of Science from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from Capital University.
Throughout her career, Ashley has received multiple recognitions, including the 2010 Capital Athletic Training Award, and she was a 2014 Ohio Hospital Association Albert Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Nominee. When she’s not working, she enjoys the outdoors, fishing, watching football and baking.
Healthy Roster Director of Customer Success Rob Mottice is grateful for Ashley’s athletic training knowledge and in-depth understanding of our platform:
“Ashley has been an active user of Healthy Roster since day 1, and has pushed us to improve with valuable constructive feedback. She has given us a great understanding the daily life of an athletic trainer, helping us create a better experience for those who rely on Healthy Roster on a daily basis. She continually supports her AT staff and their Healthy Roster training while managing hundreds of athletes at her own school. She has been a very valuable partner!”
To hear from Ashley herself about her experiences in the athletic training field, check out her responses below:
Why did you become an Athletic Trainer?
I became a student aide my sophomore year of high school and couldn't get enough of the profession from there. I love the atmosphere, the involvement in health care, and the joys of athletic training.
Without sharing any PHI of course, what is your most memorable moment as an Athletic Trainer?
The biggest wins tend to stick in your mind, regarding both games and athletes. I worked a football game a few months ago that I will absolutely never forget. Those first few "big injuries" as an independent AT also stick as well. Mostly I remember the gratitude of so many athletes, college and high school, for supporting them and helping them to succeed. I have 2 "first homerun" softballs on my desk, one collegiate and one high school, from kids who suffered through injuries and found success on the field. Those two balls are more important to me than my two conference championship rings!
What advice would you give others, either in the profession or considering becoming an Athletic Trainer?
Go with your gut instincts. This profession is fueled by various passions: for sport, for health, for success. Each and every AT I know genuinely LOVES athletic training. I speak to a lot of high school kids regarding future goals and professions and I tell them all, "you will know if this is the field for you" and if you love it, stick with it. It's one of the most rewarding fields you will ever experience.
What do you feel people outside of your profession should know about Athletic Trainers?
We do a lot more than distribute water at football games and show people how to work out! We have invested numerous years, and many hours of continuing education, on our professional knowledge and we are much more than what you see on TV.
What is the key to being successful in Athletic Training?
Staying fresh, staying involved, and enjoying your setting, whether its high school outreach, collegiate, professional, industrial or clinical.