When most people think of high school sports, they picture winning shots, packed bleachers, or cheering chants. What often goes unnoticed, however, are the athletic trainers, who work quietly behind the scenes to keep athletes safe and covered from injuries.
At Bellarmine, the athletic training program, led by Head Athletic Trainer Tigre Garcia, gives students experience in sports medicine while providing care to athletes across all seasons. Athlete trainers, from evaluating injuries to maintaining water on the sidelines, ensure athletes are in their best physical conditions.
For many students, the journey into athletic training begins in the classroom. Senior Oliver Hipolito, who has been a member since the summer of his sophomore year, first learned about the program through his sports medicine class. “I was given the opportunity by the head trainer, Mr. Garcia, to go into the training room and I just fell in love with it,” said Hipolito.
A typical day for athletic trainers is anything but boring. Student athletes stop by for a variety of needs. “We do ice packs, tape wrists, hands, and ankles,” Hipolito explained. “We do stretching, exercises, rehab – anything body related.”
The type of work changes depending on the sports season. In the fall, football brings a higher volume of concussions, while winter season brings more hand injuries from basketball and wrestling, and spring season comes with a lot of knee injuries because of track & field.
For senior Aubrianna Aquino, who also decided to join after being in sports medicine her sophomore year, the program offers an opportunity to see the medical side of sports up close. “We learn about the process of getting athletes back to play and the different treatments we can use to help them rehabilitate,” she said. As an athlete who has experienced injuries herself, Aquino found the program personally meaningful. “Learning about the different functions of the body…and the process of how to get back [made me want to join].”
Teamwork and communication are at the heart of the program. Athletic trainers work closely with each other and the professional staff. Freshman Locke Williams shared, “We all talk to each other about injuries and we try to learn off of each other’s suggestions.”
Photo credit of @bprepatr on Instagram.
Beyond medical knowledge, the students agree that personal qualities are just as important as technical skills. “The most important skill is compassion,” said Hipolito. “Sure, there’s a lot of medical knowledge involved for treating patients, but you have to be able to talk to them and build connections in order to fully understand how they’re feeling.”
Williams believes curiosity is the key. “Just to be interested…to want to learn the things that you’re being taught.”
Aquino added, “Listen in on how certain things are done, therefore, you could learn to the best of your abilities. [Have] the patience to really understand what goes on in your body, and to be open-minded to new possibilities.”
Student athletes benefit directly from the program. Senior Alanis Colby Sanchez, a track & field athlete, turned to the trainers after hyperextending her elbow. “They helped evaluate how bad [my injury] was and told me what I needed to do to help relax my muscles,” said Colby Sanchez.
At the end of every season, success for the athletic training team is not measured in wins or trophies. “I’d say we experience success at the end of every game,” said Hipolito, “and I think that comes by making sure that every athlete on both sides is properly treated and everybody goes home healthy.”
Through teamwork, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others, Bellarmine’s athletic training program continues to be a crucial part of the school’s sports community, providing a strong support system for every student athlete.
