 Friday, March 13 2026
Current Workplace: Donna North High School
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? Half a year in the profession. Bachelors: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Masters: Texas A&M University
Why did you choose this profession? The profession is unique and gives you the opportunity to help the athlete be the best version of themselves.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? Communication and the capability to adapt to situations on the go.
What is your favorite part of the job? Getting to see an athlete return to the sport from an injury that you were able to rehabilitate.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? Personally my family has a big influence in my life as they have supported me throughout my journey in the Athletic Training profession. Professionally my mentors from high school, college and professional level sports have influenced me and challenged me to better myself throughout my craft.
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? Athletic Training is holistic medicine that helps aid the athlete in competing at their best and the safest way possible. Every day presents itself differently, but from your education and experience it becomes something that pays off to see success from the athlete.  Thursday, March 12 2026
Current Workplace: Hidalgo ISD
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? I am currently completing my 4th year total as an athletic trainer, and I got my masters in athletic trainer from baylor university.
Why did you choose this profession? Having been a former athlete I wanted a profession that kept me around the world of athletics that allowed me to help and impact the life’s of athletes for the better.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop?
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is being able to stand on the sideline and watch my athlete be able to participate after having gone through a full rehabilitation plan for their injury.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? If that hurts then don’t do it!
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? The three biggest influencers professionally that have helped guide me on my path to becoming an athletic trainer are:
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? The best advice I can give to other athletic trainers is always remember to take care of yourself. We work constantly on helping others physically and mentally that we end up neglecting ourselves. This career is very demanding so always take the time to make sure you care for yourself when you can, because how are we suppose to take care of others when we can’t take of ourselves.  Wednesday, March 11 2026
Current Workplace: Los Fresnos High School
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? I have been working as an athletic trainer for 15 years, graduated from Los Fresnos High School and completed my college education at Graceland University, Iowa.
Why did you choose this profession? I chose this profession for a combination of personal passion for sports, fitness, and physical activity. I was a former athlete myself and enjoyed being around sports. The job lets you stay connected to athletics in a daily basis while helping athletes stay active.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? I believe interpersonal and empathy skills are very important — building trust with your athletes, showing patience, motivating during recovery, listening and handling emotional situations properly.
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite aspect of this job is the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a sports team. I enjoy witnessing the athletes succeed at what they do best. Helping an injured athlete reclaim their spot on the field, return to competition, and knowing I contributed to that journey is fulfilling.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? My favorite quote is "Survival of the fittest" as it relates powerfully to the sports world as a metaphor for constantly testing and selecting those who adapt best- not just physically, but mentally, tactically, and emotionally.
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? Personally- my parents were the most direct and lifelong personal influencer of my life, they shaped my values, work ethic, responsibility, resilience, civic duty, and respect for others.
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? My advice to students contemplating a career in athletic trainer is to "go for it" if they really enjoy helping others and love being around sports/athletes but to be mindful that being the profession can be fulfilling but also very demanding.
 Tuesday, March 10 2026
Current Workplace: Lyford CISD as the Head Athletic Trainer
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? I am entering my 6th year as a Licensed Athletic Trainer and I graduated from UTRGV with my Bachelor's in Kinesiology with a concentration in Athletic Training.
Why did you choose this profession? I chose Athletic Training because I have always had a passion for sports and helping others. I wanted a career where I could make a direct impact on student athletes’ health, safety, and success both on and off the field.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? The most important skills for an Athletic Trainer to develop are strong communication, critical thinking, and compassion. Being able to quickly assess injuries, make sound decisions under pressure, and clearly communicate with athletes, parents, and coaches is essential.
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite aspect of the job is building strong relationships with athletes and supporting their successful return to play following injury.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? My mantra is “Trust the process.” It reminds me and my athletes to stay consistent, patient, and disciplined. Progress may not always be immediate, but commitment to the plan leads to lasting results.
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? Personally, my family has been my biggest influence, teaching me the value of hard work and perseverance. Professionally, mentors like Steven Kraus, Craig Skinner, Tom Mendez, Doc Z, and Benjamin Garica have greatly shaped my growth and approach to Athletic Training.
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? Stay patient and committed. Athletic Training takes dedication and resilience, but it’s rewarding. Build strong relationships, keep asking questions, and always put your athletes’ health first.  Monday, March 09 2026
Current Workplace: Los Fresnos High School
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? I have been at Los Fresnos for 3 years. UTRGV is where I completed my education.
Why did you choose this profession? I have always wanted to work with athletes.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? Communication with your athletes. I believe it is a great way to build relationships.
What is your favorite part of the job? Spending time with my AT students and Athletes. Even watching their games.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? “Domain Expansion, Infinite Taping!”
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? N/A
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? Do it! It is so much fun, especially if you love sports. For me working at a high school has been such a great experience from my bosses to the kids! I truly love me job!
|
