Athletes would never be as successful as they are without athletic trainers. Athletic trainers help better shape athletes while keeping them safe on and off the field. At Frenship our student athletic trainers are a direct extension of four certified staff members, helping serve over 1,000 athletes in 22 sports and across multiple facilities. These student trainers are the eyes and ears during practices and games while playing a critical role in the daily operation from set-up to clean-up.
Head Athletic Trainer, Dustin Rush, believes that trainers deeply impact the overall experience for an athlete.
“Athletic Trainers play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of student-athletes, overseeing both their physical and mental health,” said Rush. “We play a multifaceted role in injury prevention, immediate care, health education, and rehabilitation that significantly enhances the overall health and safety for athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.”
Students involved in Frenship’s Sports Medicine Program undergo training and preparation for each sport.
“Throughout the year and even over the summer we practice different medical emergency scenarios, spend time learning about common injuries, treatment/rehabilitation plans, review human anatomy, and learn lifelong skills that can be used in all areas of life. In addition, we learn about nutrition/hydration and the importance it plays in injury prevention and healing,” said Rush.
These trainers receive instruction in CPR, First Aid, AED, Stop the Bleed, and spine boarding. They learn skills to become proficient in taping techniques for various injuries and extremities. Trainers also learn the application and use of different therapeutic modalities, how to perform rehabilitation exercises, and the importance of communication and teamwork.
Senior Athletic Trainer Haley Braddock is passionate about athletic training and knew that Frenship’s program would benefit her future goals.
“I have always had a passion for sports, I am planning on going into the healthcare field. Being in the Sports Medicine Program is a great opportunity I wanted to make sure I took,” said Braddock.
Just last month, Braddock signed her letter of intent to pursue Athletic Training after she graduates from Frenship High School this May. She will be attending West Texas A&M University in the Fall and is looking forward to her future endeavors.
“I plan on graduating from WT with my bachelor's degree and then move on to a master's level program. From there I plan on going into the United States Air Force as an officer and practice physical medicine,” said Braddock.
Rush is proud of students like Haley Braddock who are continuing to pursue sports medicine after high school.
“This profession is like many others; it’s not a job or paycheck, it’s a calling. The sense of pride and fulfillment we feel when we see them unlock that potential and succeed is truly remarkable,” said Rush.
Braddock feels thankful for the Frenship Sports Medicine Program and the experience she has gained.
“I want to thank the head athletic trainers for getting me to be the student trainer I am today, without their unwavering support and dedication to helping me learn I would be nowhere near where I am today,” said Braddock.
Happy National Sports Medicine Month! We are very thankful for Frenship Sports Medicine!