At Case Western Reserve University, athletics may not steal the spotlight, but the program has earned accolades for its competitiveness and success.
Despite their professionalism, the team is stretched thin. By national standards, CWRU should employ nearly 10 Athletic Trainers.
“We should have nine and a half athletic trainers working for the number of athletes we have, and we have three and a half,” said Pinzka.
While a temporary fourth, Rachel Holloman, has been brought in from University Hospitals, her hours are limited and she cannot travel.
Each full-time Athletic Trainer is responsible for 3–4 teams, averaging 160 athletes, while also teaching in CWRU’s Sports Medicine minor. Fall sports athletes in their spring training season currently go without direct Athletic Trainer coverage.
“We often have teammates taping each other’s ankles in the locker room,” said first-year soccer player Kinzly Gootman.
Student trainers help bridge the gap, learning clinical skills under supervision as part of their academic requirements.
“We can train them in taping, evaluating injuries, setting up rehab programs, stretching and all that kind of stuff,” Pinzka explained.
Beyond physical injuries, mental health is a growing concern.
“It’s not just a broken ankle... not being able to play can be detrimental to their mental health,” said Pinzka.
She emphasized that Athletic Trainers are often a source of emotional support as well as medical care.
Despite the heavy demands, Pinzka finds the work rewarding.
“It’s amazing getting to be a part of their journeys,” she said. Gootman agreed: “I seriously don’t know how the trainers balance it all... I do not think the athletics department would be running without them.”
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