Athletic training is one of those professions that most people think they understand—until they take a closer look.
“I’ve seen it come from being practically non-existent to having a tremendous impact,” said Benton athletic director Jerry Bridges. “Rehabilitation has gone from passive rest to active rehabilitation because of athletic training in schools.”
For Christa Finney, head Athletic Trainer at Bryant School District, the role goes far beyond injuries. “We are the ones there when injuries occur, and we stay involved throughout the treatment and rehabilitation process and their return to the field,” she said. “We deal with everything from a cut finger to broken necks.”
That wide scope is exactly why Benton Athletic Trainer TJ White describes the profession as “like being a Swiss army knife.”
“We see ourselves as gatekeepers when an injury occurs,” White said. “Sometimes people think we help athletes stretch… but it’s a lot more than that.”
From managing emergency action plans to educating athletes on sleep, nutrition, and injury prevention, Athletic Trainers are constantly working behind the scenes.
And when things go right?
“If athletic trainers have a boring game, that means things are going well,” Finney said.
In today’s evolving sports landscape, Athletic Trainers aren’t just part of the team—they’re essential to keeping it going. Check out the complete story here!