The athletic trainers at PDS work hard to make sure athletes are conditioned and prepared for games and practices. What many may not know is that their days start before practices do. On a typical day, Assistant to the Associate Head of School and Athletic Trainer Caren Vasquez works in the admissions office in the morning. By 1:00 pm, she is in the Campus Center for lunch or downstairs working with injured athletes. At 2:00 pm, she gets ready for practices and games.

Full-time Athletic Trainer Henry Minarick does the bulk of preparing: he makes sure water jugs and medkits are organized for teams traveling to away games and gets coolers ready for teams practicing outside. Ms. Vasquez and Mr. Minarick also help athletes prepare for practice by taping an ankle, stretching a hamstring, or teaching someone how to use a foam roller. Every day can be a little bit different, depending on the game schedule. However, the day is normally wrapped up around 6:00 or 6:30 pm. 

The athletic trainers help with injuries and are always ready to lend support. According to Ms. Vasquez, injuries can vary in severity, sometimes needing immediate attention from the ER or just a few days of rest, but “the best case is when someone just needs a moment on the sidelines and can get right back in.”

Behind the scenes, the athletic trainers communicate with coaches, students, and the Athletic Department. To make sure of the schedules and locations, the trainers talk with the Athletic Department. It is also important to inform coaches of injured athletes, so coaches know how much an athlete can participate in practice or if they are cleared to play in a game. Of course, Mr. Minarick and Ms. Vasquez also work together to coordinate any care a specific athlete might need. 

This job can be tiring, but in the end it is rewarding. For Ms. Vasquez, the most rewarding part of the job is “getting to see an athlete who was out going back to playing the sport they love! I love to help people, so seeing that in action is the best part.” It is clear that being an athletic trainer takes teamwork and dedication, so next time you see a water cooler on the field or need help with an injury, remember all the work our trainers do!