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They may be standing on the sidelines during game time, but they are the stars of the show when it comes to the health of Mansfield ISD’s student-athletes.
The MISD Student Athletic Trainer Program consists of high school students who help take care of student-athletes.
Students in the program treat injuries, keep athletes hydrated and serve as the eyes and ears on the field or court.
“All a fan sees or a parent sees when they come to a game is a student trainer holding a water bottle and a towel and standing there. That’s kind of our down time,” said district trainer Andy Starnes. “All of our action happens before the game and during the week during practice.”
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| Strength tapes a wrist before football practice begins. |
Starnes said having the trainers is essential to the district’s athletics program because they provide extra help to the thousands of students who participate in sports.
“Without those guys, we couldn’t do what we do. There’s no way,” he added. “We have almost 900 athletes here at Mansfield High School, and each of the campuses have a number of athletes.”
A day as a student athletic trainer can be time consuming. They tape injuries, lug coolers, fill water tanks and restock medical kits, just to name a few.
Despite the work, the students said their job is very rewarding.
“I like to help others, and that’s what I want to do as a living, so this is a way for me to be able to do that,” said Bailey Strength, a junior at Mansfield High.
“My favorite part is being able to spend time with the other trainers,” said sophomore Brianna Devito. “We’re like a family.”
Many of the student athletic trainers have gone on to pursue careers in sports medicine. Those interested in the MISD Student Athletic Trainer Program can contact one of the campus athletic trainers.