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Even though National Athletic Training Month has come to a close for 2024, we will always keep putting a spotlight on Athletic Trainers all year long! This time, we want to highlight one of our customers!
So, this one is fairly unique because she's an AT in the world of sports entertainment, where her role could easily be overlooked.
Nicole Faso stands out not only for her exceptional skills but for being the only female Athletic Trainer on the road with World Wrestling Entertainment!
Tasked with the vital responsibility of providing medical care, Faso's journey in the WWE universe is a testament to her passion, resilience, and expertise.
Journey to the Ring
Her foray into athletic training was sparked by a personal experience:
"I chose athletic training after an injury in high school. Physical therapy helped me recover, and a friend from my hometown, who was studying athletic training at WVU, introduced me to the field..."
Her academic journey provided a solid foundation, combining the acquisition of certified Athletic Trainer skills with the cultivation of valuable networks.
From her college rotations, including fall football and club sports like hockey, Faso gleaned the practical experience and enthusiasm that would shape her career trajectory.
Wrestling with Challenges
Before stepping into the WWE spotlight, Faso's career was diverse, starting with aspirations to join the NHL as an AT.
Her path took her from graduate work at Ohio University to various roles across clinics and high schools, and eventually to Bridgeport University, where she honed her skills further.
The leap to WWE came as an opportunity that catapulted her into the "Main Roster" or TV spotlight in 2021, marking her ascendancy in the world of professional wrestling.
As part of the WWE's athletic training team, Faso's responsibilities are as challenging as they are thrilling. With a schedule that spans the globe, she is on the front lines of medical care, ensuring wrestlers are match-ready and addressing any injuries that occur.
"We travel every week, 52 weeks a year since we do not have an off-season."
Beyond the Ring
What captivates Faso about her job is not just the professional fulfillment but the opportunities it presents.
"The travel is probably my favorite part of the job because I get to see all of these amazing places."
Yet, the job comes with its misconceptions, the most common being the notion that WWE's scripted nature diminishes the need for medical support. Faso counters this by underscoring the physical demands and real risks involved in wrestling:
"Everything you see is real, especially the chairs."
Looking to the future, Faso harbors dreams of venturing into hockey but remains deeply committed to her role in WWE. As the sole female Athletic Trainer on the road, she is not just breaking barriers but is also a beacon for aspiring ATs. Her journey underscores the importance of passion, versatility, and resilience in achieving professional success.
Faso's reflection on her college years and the profession she loves is marked by gratitude.
"I couldn’t think of anything else I would love to do more."
