NATM Spotlight: Rachel Jackson Navigates the Fast-Paced Demands of Pro Hockey

During National Athletic Training Month, Rachel Jackson’s role with the Knoxville Ice Bears offers a clear look at the intensity and precision required in professional hockey.

As the team’s head Athletic Trainer, Jackson’s days start well before players hit the ice.

“I’ll get here an hour before practice starts,” she said. “That’s where I get all the guys ready… tape jobs, stretching, anything they need to get ready for the ice.”

Once practice begins, there’s little downtime. Unlike sports with frequent breaks, hockey demands constant attention.

“The unique opportunity with hockey is that there’s hardly ever breaks,” Jackson said. “You can be going up to five minutes without a break.”

That fast pace, combined with frequent high-impact collisions and lacerations, means Jackson must be ready to respond instantly. She relies heavily on her relationships with players to assess injuries in real time.

“Knowing my players and having a relationship with them is huge,” she explained. “If someone is slow to get up, I know if they’re really hurt.”

Off the ice, her work continues with post-practice treatments and coordination with a full medical team that includes physicians, physical therapists, and EMTs.

For Jackson, the job is about more than injuries—it’s about supporting athletes through every moment.

“I love being able to support people… being a cheerleader for someone,” she said.

In a sport that never slows down, Jackson is always one step ahead—helping keep players safe and ready for the next shift. Full story here!