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We know Athletic Trainers are the heroes behind every star athlete and exceptional play on the field. ATs are the true healthcare experts that not only treat injuries but help prevent them... which keeps those students prepared for their games.
But sometimes, we find an AT who stands our for her personal journey as well and we wanted to share Sheena Abbott's story.
For those who witness her daily dedication at Southeastern Community College, it might be hard to fathom that there was a time Sheena was battling for her life rather than guiding athletes through their injuries.
At 19, a talented college athlete herself, Sheena's life took an unexpected turn.
An unforeseen hernia led to a medical investigation revealing a large, cancerous ovarian tumor. Ovarian cancer, often termed the "silent killer", typically goes unnoticed until it's too late.
In Sheena's case, her tumor was so large that the resulting hernia ironically became her lifesaver. Post-surgery and three rounds of chemotherapy later, Sheena emerged triumphant over cancer.
But this experience didn't diminish her spirit or passion for sports. She made a strong comeback, rejoining her college volleyball team, and even furthered her athletic pursuits.
With her past behind her, the future held uncertainties, especially concerning the prospect of motherhood due to the potential sterility caused by chemotherapy.
Yet, destiny may have had other plans. In 2014, Sheena and her husband, Brad, were blessed with a daughter, Lillian, mirroring Sheena's resilience and fervor for sports.
However, it was her own battle that fueled Sheena's drive to become an Athletic Trainer. Growing up in the small town of Allison, she excelled in both volleyball and basketball.
After college, a job opening at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center set her on the path to become a certified AT.
Initially working with sports teams at West Burlington High School, she quickly became an integral part of the SCC men’s basketball program.
Today, she manages a team of Athletic Trainers, working tirelessly from early morning to late at night... as so many in the profession do.
Sheena's role, however, extends beyond mere physical healing. SCC men's basketball coach, Lorenzo Watkins, praises her saying:
“She understands athletes and thinks like a coach does. She is very valuable to our program. She knows the difference between being injured and being hurt. She’s very knowledgeable.”
Furthermore, her empathetic and friendly nature aids in forging strong bonds with athletes, ensuring their trust in her treatments. A testament to this comes from Davion Bailey, a former SCC athlete and now a player for Ball State. He credits Sheena as being instrumental in his success.
“Her ultimate goal is to make sure everyone plays, and she goes above and beyond to help make sure that happens. Whenever you would go see her, you would always come out feeling better. She catered to all of the needs I had as an athlete.”
Despite the rigors of her job, Sheena remains committed to her passion. Reminiscing about her own battle with cancer and recovery, she reflected:
“There are some days where it almost doesn’t feel like it happened, but there are days you know it did.”
A beacon of hope, resilience, and dedication, Sheena Abbott continues to inspire countless athletes, reminding them of the strength of the human spirit.
