Behind the Scenes, Front Line: Athletic Trainers Powering High School Success

They’re not the ones scoring points or making headlines—but Athletic Trainers are often the reason athletes can step on the field at all.

Across southern Denton County, Athletic Trainers like Aaron Fowler, Cody Jenschke, Chelsee Smith, Gus Stevenson, and Felicia Benavides are the steady presence behind high school athletics, managing everything from injury prevention to return-to-play decisions.

“A typical day… begins well before practices or competitions start,” said Fowler, head Athletic Trainer at Argyle High School.

From early morning rehab sessions to late-night game coverage, the role demands constant attention and adaptability.

And no two days look the same.

“You might guide a pitcher through a throwing program, work through a concussion protocol, and treat a swimmer with an overuse injury—all in the same day,” Jenschke said.

That variety reflects the complexity of the job, especially as overuse injuries continue to rise.

“The biggest concern is the amount of overuse injuries we see in kids,” Smith noted, pointing to year-round competition and limited recovery time.

Still, beyond the physical care, it’s the relationships that define the profession.

“When a kid is at their lowest… we get to remind them their identity is not in their sport,” said Benavides.

For Athletic Trainers, the work often goes unnoticed—but their impact is everywhere, shaping not just performance, but the health and well-being of every athlete they support. Read the full story here!