Sports are a cornerstone of high school life, but they come with risks. At Mead High School, Athletic Trainer Jocelyn Cook-Cox is often the first line of defense when injuries strike.
After the school day ends, Cook-Cox treats 10 to 30 student-athletes daily, preparing them for practices and games. But the work doesn't stop there. She covers practices, travels with teams, and stands ready to respond to emergencies.
“It happened. You deal with it, you have to keep going because there’s more to be done,” Cook-Cox said, recalling a recent incident where she and Ifft stabilized a player’s broken leg during a JV basketball game.
Cook-Cox’s passion for the job stems from her own athletic experiences.
“Seeing (injured athletes) come back and come back stronger and keep that passion alive is very fulfilling for me,” she said.
Beyond physical care, she also provides a trusted space where athletes can simply talk and be heard.
However, the role of Athletic Trainers is often misunderstood and underfunded.
“People also make the argument of if you have athletics, then you have the budget to hire on medical for the athletics,” Cook-Cox said. Many Washington schools still lack proper coverage, leaving coaches—without medical training—to manage injuries.
Despite the challenges, Cook-Cox finds fulfillment in supporting athletes’ health and dreams.
“Honestly, I really enjoy the relationships that I develop with the athletes,” she said. “I feel like I’m one of their biggest fans.”
As she and her peers continue advocating for better recognition and resources, one thing is clear: Athletic Trainers are essential to keeping high school sports safe. Read the full story here!