For Michigan State men’s basketball Athletic Trainer Nick Richey, the job goes far beyond treating injuries—it’s about being the first line of support for student-athletes.
“Athletic Trainers are, very often, the first line of defense for a student-athlete,” Richey said. “If they have an issue, start in the training room.”
His career path has taken him through major programs like Purdue, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Illinois, and Wake Forest before landing at Michigan State in 2016.
Despite working across multiple sports, Richey says football stands apart.
“Football is just a different beast… the volume and spotlight are different,” he said.
During basketball season, his days start early and stretch well into the evening—coordinating check-ins, managing treatments, and preparing athletes for practice and competition.
When it comes to injuries, Richey points to a surprising reality.
“Practice,” he said when asked where injuries are most likely to occur. “For every 40-minute game, we have approximately 5 to 6 hours of practice time.”
Through it all, one thing remains constant: relationships.
“I do my best to take care of the guys I have and develop relationships that last,” he said.
For Richey, success isn’t just about keeping players on the court—it’s about being a trusted resource every step of the way. Read the full interview with Nick here!