'We Want to Be Out of the Spotlight...'

KC Hackman: “We want to be out of the spotlight as much as possible.”

For Taylor Athletics Head Athletic Trainer Hackman and his assistant, Patience Ramsey, athletic training isn’t about recognition—it’s about ensuring the health and safety of over 450 student-athletes, day in and day out.

With 25 years of experience at Taylor, Hackman has seen the role of Athletic Trainers evolve, now emphasizing preventive care alongside emergency treatment.

“It used to be reactionary. Now there’s a lot more thought going into the preventative aspect of it."

Working behind the scenes, Hackman and Ramsey’s days are anything but easy. Fall is their busiest season, with high-contact sports like soccer, football, and volleyball in full swing, while winter and spring teams begin practices.

In just two hours, they may see over 70 athletes for treatments ranging from rehabilitation to check-ups. Their goal? To keep athletes at their peak performance. Ramsey, who has been with Taylor for 17 years, added: 

“We’re just striving to make sure that our athletes are getting the best treatment that they can. We want our athletes to give their best effort on the field or court, so we try to give them the best we can.”

Though their work intensifies during the sports season, Hackman and Ramsey continue supporting athletes year-round, even helping those with injuries that outlast the school year.

For them, the real reward comes from seeing an athlete recover and return to the field.

“That’s why we do this.”

Their care and dedication make all the difference—quietly, without ever seeking acknowledgment. Read the whole story here!