In a heartwarming gesture of gratitude, the Girls Water Polo team at Monte Vista High School in California recently presented Athletic Trainer Myesha Taylor with a small rectangular cake. The cake had the message, "Thank you 4 keeping us in 1 piece – MVGWP," marking an early birthday present that symbolized their appreciation for Taylor's dedicated work.
Taylor specializes in treating injuries like broken bones, torn ligaments, and dislocations, using her expertise to help athletes perform at their best. Her focus on musculoskeletal issues is crucial for athletes' recovery and performance.
Taylor revealed that her favorite aspect of her job is witnessing athletes' recovery and personal growth:
"When they come in thinking they're never going to play again, and a couple of weeks later, they're back on the field — I love that."
Before joining Monte Vista, Taylor pursued a degree in Kinesiology with a focus on Athletic Training in Sports Medicine at San José State University.
She gained valuable experience working in a contract position at Branham High School. When Athletic Director Nick Bonacorsi offered her a permanent position at MVHS, she saw it as an opportunity to further her career and make a difference in the lives of student athletes.
In addition to Taylor, several student volunteers assist in the Athletic Trainer's office. While Taylor primarily handles more serious injuries, these students assist with tasks like using massage guns, preparing ice, and providing support during on-field treatments.
Charlie Jiang, a junior and Varsity Boys Volleyball player, is one of Taylor's assistants and finds the role interesting and rewarding. He praised Taylor for her open-mindedness and enthusiasm.
Sophomore Miya Sakurai, a member of the Varsity Girls Water Polo team, also had a positive experience with Taylor when she injured her knee during a hike. Taylor's treatment, including cupping and icing, helped her recover faster. Sakurai described Taylor as friendly, easy to get along with, and exceptionally skilled at her job.
For Taylor, building connections with student athletes is a crucial part of her role. These relationships enable her to identify athletes in need of care, whether it's for strains, sprains, or other issues. Taylor believes that establishing trust and rapport with athletes is essential to encourage them to seek help when needed.
Jiang, one of Taylor's assistants, emphasized the importance of Taylor's philosophy in treating injured individuals. He mentioned that Taylor has not only imparted technical skills but also taught him valuable interpersonal skills and empathy. Learning how to approach injuries with compassion and understanding has been a significant takeaway from working with Taylor.
Taylor's goal is to educate others on injury management, sharing her passion for working with students.
Her affinity for the role, combined with the support of the coaching staff at MVHS, has made her transition into her position seamless.
She aspires to help create athletes that every Athletic Trainer dreams of working with, highlighting her dedication to nurturing the potential of young students at MVHS.
Not all stories about Athletic Trainers have to be heroic tales where these expert healthcare providers save a life. Sometimes, we like to share the every day stories about how ATs are taking care of student-athletes across the country. This was a great example of that. Read more on El Estoque, their student newspaper.