Assistant Athletic Trainer, Stetson University
"Those small victories are what keep me going in the middle of the season..."
To provide the best and most effective health care to every athlete that I work with — both physically and mentally. To give the team my best effort to keep them at the healthiest and highest state of competition.
It's difficult to pick just one day or moment! I am fortunate enough to think of multiple rewarding moments in my Athletic Training career that are big and small. On the bigger side, being involved with multiple championship teams is always rewarding. Was fortunate to be a part of a Big Sky championship with Eastern Washington University and a Sun Belt championship with Coastal Carolina University. Both of those seasons were incredible, had some of the most fun games of my career, and were a blast to be a part of.
On the smaller side, helping an athlete with an injury, watching them recover, and getting back on the field is the one of the most rewarding things to me. Gaining their trust through the injury process to where they are comfortable coming to me for treatment and mental health help. It is a very proud and rewarding moment watching an athlete return to the sport they love after helping them recover. Those small victories are what keep me going in the middle of the season, knowing that I am helping this team perform at the highest level it can.
Lastly, I was able to set up Stetson Football to participate in the College Football Mental Health Awareness week this past season. This was highly rewarding because mental health
is very important to me and participating in this raised awareness more than I had ever imagined. Athletes showed support for the program the entire season and many still wear the bracelets today. Many thanked me for bringing the awareness to Stetson and giving them a voice to speak up when they need help. It is one of the most gratifying moments of my career.
There are so many benefits to having our SidelineER®. With HIPAA and FERPA always in the balance during a game with media and fans, having the tent helps eliminate nearly all of those issues. It allows me to properly evaluate an injury without worrying about the surrounding people. It allows us to treat an injury if needed with privacy. I have worked at multiple schools that have Kinematic products and really saw the benefits of them.
When I was hired at Stetson, I voiced these benefits to the administration. With the help of our sponsors, we were able to purchase SidelineER®. From the first time we raised the tent, we were getting compliments and praise about the Kinematic product. It is a really useful product to have on the sideline of our football games.
First, I would like to shout out to my family. I would not be where I am today without their love and support. Thank you to my mom for always being there and encouraging me to shine bright. Thank you to my wife for always being by my side.
Shout out to my mentor, Brian Norton. Thank you for always supporting me and helping me through my Athletic Training career.
Shout out to all my current and former student-athletes. You guys are the reason I do what I do. Thank you for trusting and believing in me.
Lastly, shout out to Stetson University, Florida Orthopedic Associates, and West Volusia Family and Sports Medicine for helping me elevate our program with SidelinER®.
