NATM Spotlight: She Proves the Athletic Trainer’s Impact Goes Far Beyond The Sidelines

At Halifax County High School, the spotlight usually shines on the athletes under the lights. Touchdowns, buzzer-beaters and victories dominate the headlines. But just a few yards away, often kneeling beside an injured player or waiting quietly on the sideline with a medical bag, stands someone whose work rarely gets the same attention.

For the past five years, Athletic Trainer Emma Hanson Elder has been that steady presence for the Comets.

Her journey into athletic training began after suffering a partially torn meniscus while she was a high school athlete in nearby Campbell County. What started as an injury recovery quickly became a career inspiration.

“I spent a lot of time with my high school athletic trainer,” Hanson Elder said. “After spending that much time with her and taking her class in high school, I said, ‘That’s what I want to do.’”

That decision led her to Radford University, where she earned her degree in sports medicine before returning to the region she calls home.

At Halifax, her days extend far beyond what fans see on Friday nights. Much of her work happens quietly in the training room, helping athletes recover through weeks of rehabilitation.

“A lot of people don’t see that part,” she said. “They’ll come to my room and we’ll do rehab after school.”

The role also includes emotional support and mentorship.

“A lot of the time, the athletes see me as someone they can talk to when they can’t say certain things to their coaches,” Hanson Elder said.

For Hanson Elder, the most meaningful moments aren’t found on the scoreboard—they’re in the relationships built and the athletes who return stronger than before. Check out the full story here!