At our school, student athletic trainers are proving that dedication goes far beyond the field. For many, athletic training is more than just an extracurricular; it’s a passion that combines a love for sports with a desire to help others. Zaria Echavarria explained, “I’ve always wanted to help people and I love sports. It’s a combo of both of the things I enjoy.” She says that athletic training was the perfect class for her.
However, balancing academics and athletic training responsibilities is no easy task. Students emphasize the importance of strong time management skills, including careful scheduling, multitasking, and making use of any free time during the school day. As one student shared, “I do a lot of scheduling. Without it I wouldn’t be able to do anything. I also take time to decompress and talk to myself so I don’t get overwhelmed.”
Despite their passion, student trainers face real challenges, especially feeling burnout. Many admit that before learning how to manage their time effectively, they often felt overwhelmed by the workload. Eliza Gomes who is in the 11th reflected, “Burnout was my biggest thing… I would do so much that I felt super overwhelmed.” However, with support from teammates and the athletic training community, they’ve been able to push through these difficulties.
The impact of athletic training goes beyond skills on the field. Students report improvements in their mental health, crediting the supportive and encouraging environment created by their peers. One student said, “it’s improved my mental health by surrounding me with an amazing group of people who are loving and supportive.” They’ve also developed valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Another added, “I’ve learned to be on time, and teamwork is something we use every day.”
Junior Eliza Gomes, who has been involved for one year, highlighted how relationships and learning opportunities have motivated her. “Something that motivated me was the friendships and the medical gains that I get every day,” she said. She also explained how she manages her responsibilities: “If I have extra time in class, I work on assignments for another class.”
Similarly, Sophomore Zaria Echavarria, a student athletic trainer of one and a half years, described the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. “Time management was definitely hard at first, but the support from the AT community made things easier,” she shared. She also pointed out a unique benefit of the program: “Athletic training has improved my physical health by teaching me rehab equipment that I can now use myself.”
While the program offers many benefits, students agree that one major improvement is needed: more recognition and support from the school. As one student put it, “We don’t always get the recognition we deserve.” Echavarria echoed this sentiment, saying, “I would want to see more respect and recognition.”
Student athletic trainers are an essential part of school athletics, working behind the scenes to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes. Their voices highlight not only the rewards of the program but also the need for greater appreciation of their contributions. As these students continue to grow and lead, one thing is clear, their impact deserves to be seen and celebrated.
