At Stanford University, championships, Olympians, and future professionals often grab the spotlight. But tucked away in the basement of the Arrillaga Family Sports Center, Athletic Trainer Tomoo Yamada has quietly spent 25 years helping athletes hold everything together.
While Athletic Trainers are often associated with physical injuries, Yamada believes one of the most important parts of the job is listening.
“The athlete needs to be healthy first,” Yamada said. “They need to be healthy as a person, then you can talk about them as a swimmer, runner or basketball player.”
Over the years, Yamada has worked with athletes across football, basketball, baseball, golf, and swimming, including names like Katie Ledecky, Simone Manuel, Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, and Nico Hoerner. Yet despite decades around elite competition, what stands out most is the relationships he builds with athletes long after their playing days end.
Current Stanford athletes describe Yamada as approachable, supportive, and deeply invested in their lives outside sports. His work often extends beyond treatment plans, helping athletes navigate stress, confidence, culture shock, and the pressures that come with balancing academics and elite athletics.
Even after two decades, Yamada continues studying communication, sleep science, and athlete wellness to improve how he cares for students.
“I want to educate people, and then they compete,” Yamada said. “I want to see them grow.”
Read his full Stanford spotlight here!