UTRGV Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Steven Kraus
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Why did you decide to become an athletic trainer?
I knew that I wanted to work in health care and knew that I could connect well with student-athletes. My experience as a collegiate student-athlete and undergoing multiple injuries personally helped me realize my passion for health and well-being. I knew that I could take my personal experience and the knowledge that I’ve gained through my education and be able to empathize with and advance the health of student-athletes.
What do you enjoy most of being an athletic trainer?
I most enjoy getting to be there from start to finish with the athlete’s injuries. I get to experience their pain and struggles, but also their joy and triumphs. It is a very rewarding moment when you see an athlete return to the sport they love, healed and healthy.
Have there been any special challenges/rewarding moments in the last year because of COVID-19?
There have been plenty of challenges. The most rewarding part of this last year has been the development of a good working relationship with our campus medical directors. With their direction and guidance, in conjunction with our team physicians, we created protocols and procedures for our teams to practice and compete safely in a pandemic. I believe that, in itself, is the best rewarding moment.
Why are athletic trainers crucial to our teams and our department?
Athletic trainers are crucial to our teams because we are the primary healthcare worker for our student-athletes. We are able to provide a broad spectrum of services and knowledge to our teams to help teach them a higher quality of wellness and to decrease their risk of injury and illness. We don’t just focus on the physical well-being, but the mental and emotional well-being of the student-athletes.
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UTRGV Assistant Athletic Trainer Shayne Allen
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Why did you decide to become an athletic trainer?
It was spur of the moment. I was watching a basketball game one day and saw the person (AT) running on the court to an injured athlete and said that's what I want to do. I have always loved being around sports and wanted to be outside, so this was a good way to do both. Plus, I don't know if I could sit behind a desk all day.
What do you enjoy most of being an athletic trainer?
I enjoy being around the athletes and getting to meet new people. It is such a great experience, especially with all the internationals that we have at UTRGV. It's great to talk to the athletes and learn about them and where they’re from, whether they’re international, local, or from elsewhere in the country. I also enjoy helping the student-athletes, whether it's coming back from an injury or just talking with them about school or life situations they deal with or ask for advice on. Being able to be outside covering practice, games, and meets is great too. I don't have to be inside all day.
Have there been any special challenges/rewarding moments in the last year because of COVID-19?
There have been quite a few challenges to say the least. Just trying to keep up with all the protocols has been crazy. We must follow University, conference, local, state, and federal protocols, so there’s a lot to keep track of. We then have to implement them as well as keep everyone safe. It is a team effort from all points within the athletic department. I would also say that for us as an AT staff to be able to handle everything has been great. It has been a great team effort which starts with Steven leading us. He has done a great job, and then Nicole, Nick, and Bryan have all stepped up and helped where needed. We couldn't have gotten through this without each other.
Why are athletic trainers crucial to our teams and our department?
We are valuable because we keep the athletes healthy as they go through their respective seasons. If no AT was around, injuries would pile up. Getting the athletes back from injury is important for the athlete as well as the team. We not only deal with injuries, but we are usually the ones that athletes come to with personal matters or mental health issues they may be dealing with. With us being around them so much, they tend to feel comfortable sharing certain information with us, which in turn we can try and help with. If we can't, then we can provide them a good source or another avenue to try and help them. We are an important part of the many steps that go into a successful season/department.
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Why did you decide to become an athletic trainer?
I think almost every athletic trainer has the same journey when it comes to athletic training. We all love sports and cheering our athletes on as well as helping them overcome both physical and mental obstacles. Your average athletic trainer holds several certifications and can perform many different techniques, it's amazing how much we get to do in a typical day. Plus, nothing beats being able to get sideline seats!
What do you enjoy most of being an athletic trainer?
I have a passion for helping these athletes overcome their injuries, something that seems as simple as a jammed finger to a post-surgical athlete, and teaching them how to take care of their bodies because we only get one. I also love the other teaching aspect I get as a preceptor helping shape these student athletic training interns become future professionals.
Have there been any special challenges/rewarding moments in the last year because of COVID-19?
Our schedules were definitely affected, specifically with testing frequency as well as having all sports in season altogether and finding coverage for each other when teams were on the road. Through this pandemic, I think it was clear to see how much work we put into what we do and the fact that we have received so much support from administration is amazing as they have made sure we have all the supplies needed to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone. I always feel safe coming to work.
Why are athletic trainers crucial to our teams and our department?
We ensure the safety of multiple teams and athletes at one time. We serve as liaisons to other services they might need ranging from mental health services to dental and eye appointments. We see post-surgical patients. We see athletes go down on the field or court that require advanced emergency assistance and when we are first on scene, we can even perform life-saving care. We are resourceful where we need to be. We do more than just provide water to athletes at practices. We are medical professionals who work directly under the care of a physician and are able to provide all these different types of services. We are essential to ensure the well-being of our athletes holistically.
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UTRGV Assistant Athletic Trainer Nick Sauceda
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Why did you decide to become an athletic trainer?
I decided to be an athletic trainer because I wanted to join a profession in which I can help others while being able to continue being around sports. I had a hard time deciding between becoming a physical therapist or an athletic trainer, but after joining the Athletic Training Internship Program here at UTRGV back in 2015, I knew my answer. After getting the opportunity to travel with the baseball team to Utah Valley and TCU, I knew that my passion and goal was to become an athletic trainer.
What do you enjoy most about being an athletic trainer?
Most of our athletes are new to the location and don't have family or friends near, so it's imperative to provide the best hospitality. Furthermore, the comradery along with the rapport you develop with your athletes is what I enjoy the most. Athletes who succumb to injury are predominantly stressed and it is my job as an athletic trainer to help them through this difficult time. The long days and 14-hour shifts tend to be worth it knowing that your athletes are happy and confident that they are in good hands.
Have there been any special challenges/rewarding moments in the last year because of COVID-19?
The major challenge for us as a staff is having to manage every fall and spring season all in one semester. This makes coverage difficult, but we find a way to make sure each athlete is attended to. The most rewarding moment in my short time being with men's soccer is the ups and downs that we had in the fall semester being turned into a successful start to the season. It shows true grit and character from the athletes and their coaches.
Why are athletic trainers crucial to our teams and our department?
During the pandemic, athletic trainers have shown just how important they are to a department solely on the fact that they have adapted to the new normal such as department-wide COVID-19 testing on top of the usual responsibilities.
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UTRGV Assistant Athletic Trainer Bryan Wynn
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Why did you decide to become an athletic trainer?
At first it was to go into physical therapy, but once I started diving into the profession, I found something that not only included a P.T. factor, but so much more than I ever expected.
What do you enjoy most of being an athletic trainer?
Being able to help in so many ways. Any issue that an athlete may have whether it be physical, mental, or emotional, I can either help them myself or guide them to others who can do more.
Have there been any special challenges/rewarding moments in the last year because of COVID-19?
We have all faced so many challenges during this time. For me, I always try to stay positive because I believe the more positive you are, the more positive others around you will be. It has been tough to keep this going with all the added workload (testing, contact tracing, wearing masks, making sure others are doing the same) on top of an already hectic profession, but as certified athletic trainers, it is our job to keep everyone healthy. So we all have strived, endured, and adapted to everything along the way to make sure we do just that.
Why are athletic trainers crucial to our teams and our department?
We are important because we are the medical bridge for so many people. We are all taught to be the go-to person for so many issues and situations. We are the emotional anchor for those who feel like they have no connection, and yet the life jacket for those who feel like they are drowning. We are the ear that will listen and understand without fear of judgement. We are the guiding light to returning to the field when an injury makes so many feel like they have been left in the dark. We are crucial because we are unlike any other healthcare professional. With bits and pieces of other professions pulled into one individual. We are all here to help in any way we can, no matter the circumstance. |
