“Oh… you’re a trainer?”
(NO! I’m an Athletic Trainer, not a trainer)
“Oh, that’s cool, I wanted to do that. What do you make?”
What do I make?!?!?
I make an ankle sprain that some say should take 4 weeks to get your athlete back on the field, playable in a week.
I can make wearing a fanny pack and driving in a golf cart with lights look cool.
I can devise your rehab program after a total knee replacement so you can run in that marathon you’ve always dreamed of.
I can tape an ankle before you miss 2 minutes of play.
I can make saving your child’s life easier by explaining “getting your bell rung” isn’t normal, it can be deadly.
I can help you, and your child, survive a heart attack.
I can look at a wrestler’s pee and tell them how much water to drink.
I can make an athlete BIGGER, faster, better.
I can translate “doctorese” from “torn anterior talofibular ligament” into ankle sprain.
I went to college to EARN A DEGREE in more than just “water providing” but also injury prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, administration, and overall problem solving.
And I do it because I love my athletes, and I love my profession.
Today, I might ice your knee, tomorrow I might save your life.
I hope I make a difference,
what do you make?”
