How VCU Health’s Athletic Trainers are Transforming Student-Athlete Care

VCU Health’s Outreach Athletic Training Program is driven by passionate and highly skilled Athletic Trainers like Emily Huss and Nicole Stevens, who are dedicated to providing vital care for student-athletes in Central Virginia.

With many schools unable to staff full-time Athletic Trainers, these healthcare professionals have become a lifeline for athletes in need of immediate care and rehabilitation.

Emily Huss, the outreach lead Athletic Trainer, plays an essential role in delivering day-to-day care. Covering practices and games at Carver Academy in Chesterfield County, Huss ensures athletes are properly treated and safely return to play after injuries.

“We see most of our injuries in game-like situations."

Her work goes beyond just the games—she helps athletes recover through rehab techniques such as icing, stretching, and physical therapy in her athletic training room.

Nicole Stevens, the program manager for VCU Health’s Department of Sports Medicine, has been instrumental in growing the outreach program.

Starting in 2012 with just one Athletic Trainer at Virginia Union University, Stevens has expanded the program to include over 20 schools and Athletic Trainers.

“We specialize in this. We have master's degrees, we're board-certified and licensed healthcare professionals."

She and her team not only treat injuries but also ensure student-athletes are seen by a physician within 24 to 48 hours, regardless of insurance status.

Both Huss and Stevens are committed to mentoring students, with Huss helping create a work-based learning opportunity in Chesterfield County, allowing students to experience the daily responsibilities of an Athletic Trainer.

“These students can be a huge help once they've learned appropriately."

Through their dedication, both Huss and Stevens have become crucial resources for schools and communities, providing expert care and fostering a new generation of Athletic Trainers.

“As an athletic trainer, you can work in high schools, colleges, with professional athletes, and in a military or clinical setting. I've had people go on and be Athletic Trainers and they reach out and say, 'Hey, thanks for showing me this. Thanks for letting me shadow you. This is where I'm at now.' One former student reached out to let me know they saved a life running a half marathon and thanked me for their experience as a student Athletic Trainer.”

Discover more about their program here!