In early November, two seniors began to shadow the athletic trainer, Ryan Hughes. These two students, Anna Pemberton and Duha Hassan, stay after school to follow Hughes around and observe what he does as a high school athletic trainer. This is the first time Hughes has been shadowed by Annandale students, but students from George Mason University have visited in the past to do the same thing.
These two students aspire to take on the same role that Hughes holds. As they observe his day-to-day tasks, they pick up skills necessary for the job. “Right now, we are working on taping different body parts, like wrists, fingers, thumbs, and ankles,” Pemberton said. “We will probably go over different ways of taping and the different injuries that can occur throughout games and sports seasons.” Almost every game or event results in an injury, whether minor or severe. Hughes, along with Pemberton and Hassan, sit close to the court, field, or playing area, ready to assist if someone is hurt, severely injured, or, in rare cases, experiencing a medical emergency.
With just over three months of experience, Pemberton and Hassan have already learned a great deal about the job. “So far, I have learned a lot about injuries, how to prevent them, and how to tape different body parts such as wrists and ankles,” Pemberton said. “I have also learned different parts of the body and how you can differentiate injuries through naming and researching.”
Pemberton and Hassan began shadowing at the start of the winter sports season and will continue through the spring season. There is much more to learn and practice, and they still have a long way to go before becoming certified athletic trainers. “I look forward to watching the spring sports and helping Hughes with any injuries and games in general,” Pemberton said.
High school athletic trainers play a crucial role in the health and well-being of student-athletes. These trained professionals assess and treat injuries that occur during practices and games. They spend most of their time after school assigning injured student-athletes exercises or treatments to help them recover.
One of the most common sports-related injuries is concussions, so athletic trainers must be able to recognize and manage them properly. They are trained to assess the signs and symptoms of concussions and provide care and support to students or athletes who have suffered head injuries. The training room is stocked with useful equipment that promotes recovery and injury prevention.
While treating injuries is the primary responsibility of an athletic trainer, they also work to prevent injuries. One of the best ways to help a student avoid injuries is by educating them on proper nutrition, stretching techniques, and the importance of rest and recovery. Preventative care is essential in reducing the risk of long-term damage and ensuring athletes perform at their best.
Hassan and Pemberton are gaining early practice and exposure to the field, but there is still a long journey ahead before they officially enter athletic training. Athletic trainers must complete rigorous training and certification before beginning their careers. Generally, high school athletic trainers hold a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field, must be certified by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers, and must obtain a state license.
Beyond providing medical assistance, athletic trainers play a vital role in the success and safety of student-athletes. Their expertise ensures that students can recover properly from injuries and return to their sport with confidence. They also serve as a critical support system for athletes, helping them navigate the physical and mental challenges that come with sports-related injuries.
The opportunity to shadow Hughes is an invaluable experience for Pemberton and Hassan, allowing them to gain hands-on knowledge before pursuing higher education in the field. Their dedication to learning and their willingness to take on such an important role highlight the significance of athletic trainers in high school sports. It is inspiring to see students eager to step into a profession that prioritizes the health and safety of athletes. As they continue their journey, they will carry forward the skills and lessons learned from their time observing and assisting Hughes, ultimately preparing them for future careers in sports medicine and athletic training.
