As we enter into our fall seasons and begin preparations for
our student athlete’s to return to school, or cease pre-season practices, I
wanted to send out a friendly blog of encouragement.
We all started in our field for various reasons (most
importantly fame, fortune, and a lot of free gear), but the reasons that keep us
here are vast. Everyone has that one
athlete with whom they’ve grown especially close to over the years. Maybe you watched them grow up. Or you helped them through a season-ending
injury. Or you guided them along the
path to adulthood. Whatever your reasons
may be, you know there is at least one kid out there who has touched your life. Be thankful that you had the opportunity to
be there for them.
As athletic trainers, we provide a service. Our services are completely different in each
setting, but we all have one goal: to help our patients return to play as
quickly and pain-free as possible. While
writing this, I am reminded of one of the many sayings from our athletic
director, “Above all else, we prepare Students for Life.” This is so true on so many levels. Life is difficult and bumpy, and we provide
the bandage when it gets too rough.
Being an athlete forces them to learn so many lessons that come in
handy later on in life, like communication, leadership, and working together as
a cohesive unit. We are part of those
lessons learned, and our jobs do just as much teaching them those lessons as
the drills they run day in and day out.
Think about the preparation you want to instill in your
athletes the next time you tape an ankle, make an ice bag, or perform a
shoulder evaluation. Our time is
precious, but it can make a big difference.
Remember, we are preparing students for life!
-Courtney Hobbs
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