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Yesterday, we covered a few schools that were celebrating National Athletic Training Month and we wanted to find a few more for you today!
As you know, March marks the observance of NATM as a time dedicated to recognizing the critical role Athletic Trainers play in healthcare at schools and other organizations.
And we dug up stories from the collegiate level — at Regis and Cowley Colleges — to the high school sports programs — Socastee High School — to show the importance of ATs that is being recognized through various initiatives and the sharing of personal stories across the nation.
Regis College: A Trio of Dedication
At Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, the athletic department is proud to celebrate its Athletic Trainers: Assistant Athletic Director/Head Athletic Trainer Ron LeClair, and Assistant Athletic Trainers Emily DeAngelis and Samantha O'Hearn.
Their comprehensive care extends from injury prevention to mental health support, showcasing the multifaceted role of athletic trainers.
LeClair's leadership, combined with DeAngelis's strength and conditioning expertise and O'Hearn's innovative approaches, underscores the holistic care provided to their athletes.
Socastee High School: The Daily Hustle
Meanwhile, at Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach, Head Athletic Trainer Jason Keesee, along with assistants Laurel Smoak and Uriah Snoburger, manage a bustling athletic training facility that becomes a beehive of activity each afternoon.
Their collaboration with Coastal Carolina University enhances the training and treatment provided, illustrating the community's investment in athlete health.
Their work, reflecting the ethos of NATM, emphasizes the critical importance of Athletic Trainers in high school athletics, not only in injury management but in preventive care and rehabilitation.
Cowley College: Partnerships and Education
Cowley College in Kansas highlights the educational path to becoming an Athletic Trainer, featuring head AT Blake Smith and student Athletic Trainers like Ainsley Carson.
The program at Cowley, enriched by partnerships with Kansas State University, prepares students for careers in athletic training through practical experience and academic rigor.
Smith's life-saving actions and dedication to education, alongside Carson's journey from student to practitioner, exemplify the profound impact ATs can have on their communities and the importance of comprehensive training.
The Unifying Message: "From Head to Toe"
The slogan for NATM 2024, "From Head to Toe," perfectly encapsulates the essence of the athletic training profession.
Whether it's through the tireless efforts of individuals like Ron LeClair at Regis College, the dedicated team at Socastee High School, or the educational pathways highlighted by Cowley College, the goal remains the same: to provide whole-person care that addresses every aspect of an athlete's well-being.
As these stories from different corners of the athletic world converge during National Athletic Training Month, they serve as a testament to the essential role Athletic Trainers play.
Beyond the immediate care and rehabilitation, these professionals contribute significantly to the safety, health, and success of athletes across all levels.
Their dedication not only ensures the physical well-being of students but also fosters a culture of prevention, education, and comprehensive care that benefits the entire sports ecosystem.
Happy NATM 2024!!!
