---
title: "NATM Spotlight: Rachel Jackson Navigates the Fast-Paced Demands of Pro Hockey"
description: Ice Bears Athletic Trainer Rachel Jackson manages nonstop action, injuries, and player care in professional hockey—where quick decisions and relationships are everything.
image: https://blog.healthyroster.com/hubfs/Athletic%20Training%20And%20Sports%20Medicine%20News-1.jpg
---

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 June 23, 2026

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

![Picture of Tim Clark](https://blog.healthyroster.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tim%20Clark.jpg?width=50&name=Tim%20Clark.jpg) By  [ Tim Clark ](https://blog.healthyroster.com/blog/author/tim-clark)  ·   1 minute read

![Articles for Athletic Trainers and News Stories](https://blog.healthyroster.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Athletic%20Training%20News%20and%20Articles%20-%20Small.png?width=500&height=150&name=Athletic%20Training%20News%20and%20Articles%20-%20Small.png)

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.

<https://www.wate.com/sports/meet-rachel-jackson-the-knoxville-ice-bears-new-head-athletic-trainer/amp/>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](https://www.wate.com/sports/meet-rachel-jackson-the-knoxville-ice-bears-new-head-athletic-trainer/amp/)! 

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