For Alex Patas, Athletic Training Starts with Listening

At Penn State Abington, Athletic Trainer Alex Patas is doing more than treating injuries—she’s building relationships that last.

On any given day, you’ll find her moving from one athlete to the next, checking in after practice, leading stretches, and making sure her teams are ready. But what stands out most isn’t just what she does—it’s how she does it.

Patas, recently promoted to head Athletic Trainer, found her path through her own experience as an athlete. After suffering a broken hand, the rehabilitation process sparked something bigger.

That moment turned into a career focused on helping others through their own challenges.

Now leading the sports medicine program, Patas manages multiple teams—including volleyball, softball, basketball, cross country, and tennis—while also handling administrative responsibilities. At one point during the transition, she was the only full-time Athletic Trainer, balancing the workload while helping onboard new staff.

Despite the demands, her approach hasn’t changed.

Athletes say one of her greatest strengths is her ability to listen—whether they’re dealing with an injury or just having a tough day. That connection has become the foundation of her work.

Even as her role has grown, Patas has remained focused on one thing: making sure every athlete feels supported.

At Penn State Abington, that commitment is shaping more than recovery—it’s building a culture of care. Read her full story here!