The Daily Reality of a High School Athletic Trainer

The profession of a high school Athletic Trainer often carries enormous responsibility. In some moments, an Athletic Trainer may be the first on the scene in a life-or-death emergency. More often, however, the role is built on trust, long days, lifelong relationships, and the gratitude of students and families helped along the way.

That commitment is embodied by Jayson Berlin, 52, who is employed by Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic and serves as Knox County Schools’ longest-running Athletic Trainer.

Now in his 18th school year, Berlin chose to work at Austin-East High School out of four or five available Knox County placements—and he has never looked back.

Berlin’s workday typically begins around 2:30 p.m., depending on the sport. Before COVID, Athletic Trainers split time between the clinic and the school.

“We either put on braces or did home exercise programs,” Berlin said. “It was time we had to spend outside of the school at KOC. We do not go to the office anymore. We come straight to the school.”

His evenings can stretch late into the night.

“For Friday night football we could work until 10 or 11 o’clock,” he said. “It all depends on the season, the sport, the location you’re at.”

No two days are ever the same—and that’s exactly why Berlin loves the job.

“Never, and that’s the thing I like about it,” he said. “It’s something different every day… good, bad and ugly.”

Ironically, quieter days are preferred.

“Usually if it’s a hectic day, something drastic has happened,” Berlin explained. “I love my job and I really hate working, because when I’m working, somebody is really hurt.”

A graduate of DeLaSalle Collegiate High School in Michigan, Berlin earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from East Tennessee State University in 1997. Before arriving in Knox County in 2007, he worked seven years in Greene and Cocke counties and was the first Athletic Trainer at Cocke County High School.

Berlin works with all sports at Austin-East, with football and basketball keeping him busiest. He recalls stressful moments, including severe injuries and tragedies within the school community.

“I’m here for the community, the kids—athlete or not,” he said. “If somebody is hurt… I’m here for them.”

His greatest reward remains simple.

“My biggest reward is to see kids come back from an injury,” Berlin said. “I’ve loved this job. It’s been a blessing.”

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