While teams focus on success, athletic trainers at Quincy University are working hard to ensure the health of student-athletes.

Behind the scenes of every game day, practice, or injury lies a group of dedicated professionals who spend their time caring for the athletes at QU. Athletic trainers are responsible for preventing, evaluating, and treating injuries for all sports teams on campus. Many of these trainers work with multiple sports teams, even during overlapping seasons.

Many people might think that all they do is tape ankles, provide injury treatment, and take other preventative actions. However, many behind-the-scenes efforts often go overlooked.

“The documentation side of things goes unseen. Every injury that walks through the door, that gets evaluated, we have to do documentation. Every treatment that we do has to be documented,” Phillip Wilkerson, assistant athletic trainer at QU, said.

While the job comes with several responsibilities, he adds that seeing athletes return to competition after injury is ultimately the most rewarding part.

At QU, athletic trainers also collaborate with coaches to ensure that they stay informed of injuries and recovery timelines. Many student-athletes create strong bonds with their trainers, who become trusted sources of guidance and support. Even though trainers guide athletes through the physical aspects of recovery, they realize some may simply need a support system.

Along with helping athletes reach their full potential, QU’s athletic trainers are also educating student interns. QU currently has an undergraduate degree in pre-athletic training, requiring students to complete internship hours. QU has student interns in its own athletic training room during the weekdays.

“What makes someone a great athletic trainer is their ability to be personable with the athletes. Once you have the connection, you can build from there. I’m excited to learn and grow more confident in what I plan to do in the future,” Logan Cannady, QU student intern, said.

Most athletic trainers have a degree in athletic training or sports medicine and must pass several exams before working with college-level athletes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, athletic trainers earn a median annual wage of $61,540.

When emergencies happen at a game, QU’s athletic trainers rely heavily on their previously planned emergency plan. These plans outline how they should respond quickly in the event of a serious athlete injury.

“We do an Emergency Action Plan for every venue and event that we have. Whether it’s football or tennis, anything that’s ever had an athletic event, we have sat down and planned what we’re going to do if there’s an emergency. We coordinate with the coaches, administration, and EMS. If something does go wrong, we have been prepared,” Katie Klotz, assistant athletic trainer at QU, said.

QU’s athletic trainers show up each day ready to support student-athletes and provide the assistance that they need compete to the best of their ability.

Though they may not receive as much recognition as student-athletes or coaches, athletic trainers act as the backbone of QU sports programs. Their dedication and work behind-the-scenes ensure that student-athletes can continue to do what they love.