Athletic Trainers Quietly Transforming Athlete Care in Colorado’s Mountain Communities

For Athletic Trainers in Colorado’s mountain communities, the job stretches far beyond the sidelines.

At schools like Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain, Athletic Trainers are evaluating injuries, managing concussions, creating emergency action plans, teaching sports medicine classes, mentoring future healthcare professionals, and helping athletes through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

“It’s crazy,” said Brandie Martin of The Steadman Clinic. “Almost 365 days a year we have an AT out in the community covering and providing services.”

Martin’s own journey into Athletic Training started with a fractured ankle during high school sports nearly 30 years ago. That experience inspired a career helping athletes recover physically and mentally, while overseeing a residency program that has now graduated more than 170 Athletic Trainers.

Across the valley, Athletic Trainers collectively evaluated roughly 1,400 injuries, completed more than 3,100 rehab sessions, and managed 94 concussions this school year alone.

But the impact isn’t measured only in numbers.

“I think they can feel it when I tell them, ‘I got you. We’re going to figure this out together,’” said Battle Mountain Athletic Trainer Brooke Rey.

That trust extends beyond rehab. Rey teaches anatomy and sports medicine classes, while mentoring students interested in healthcare careers. Others praised Athletic Trainers like Amy Wheeler for the calm, confident leadership they bring during emergencies.

For many athletes, Athletic Trainers become some of the most consistent and trusted adults in their lives—quietly helping them navigate injury, pressure, recovery, and growth.

And for the ATs themselves, that connection is what keeps them coming back year after year. Read the full story here!