Why this Knox County all-girls athlete training squad is challenging stereotypes
Whatever is said, don’t call them “water girls.” They are one of, if not the, only all-girls student athletic training teams in the county, according to Hardin Valley Academy’s head athletic trainer, Cindi Juarez-Logan.
Being an athletic trainer at a high school can be a demanding job, but it's also a rewarding one. By helping student-athletes prevent and recover from injuries, athletic trainers play a crucial role in the success of the school's athletic programs.
The team is made up of Micaiah Ashton, 17, Katelynn Terry, 18, Ava Halko, 17, Tori Maldonado, 16, all under the guidance and training of Juarez-Logan.
Juarez-Logan started out with 10 students who “auditioned” during spring sports.
“I’m the head trainer, Katelynn Terry is my shadow. She’s captain of the team and the senior-most girl. A freshman at UT, I’ve welcomed her back this year until she can get a spot as a UT sports trainer,” Juarez-Logan said.
“We started with 10 students who help out with all the spring sports. I selected four to work with the football team, which is on a whole other level from the other sports. You have to be quick and knowledgeable to stay on this team. Football is a beast, and I had to pick who would survive the pressure.”
Confidence, a go-get-’em attitude and a love for sports are the common denominators of the athletics training team. A background in anatomy and physiology helps but is not necessary. Juarez-Logan teaches the team what they need to know from top to bottom. Each has a skill they prefer.
Terry said she is particularly adept at taping. Skills on the field include wound care, taping, hydration, etc. The call for an ambulance is made by Juarez-Logan, who assess the situation and informs her shadow (Terry) that an ambulance is needed.
Terry said the number one skill they need to be helpful is speed. “You have to know where everything is; that means you have to pack the equipment correctly so everyone knows where everything is. You have to be quick on the field and know what you are doing.”
All the girls said they were using this opportunity to get their foot in the door of a medical field. Most are aiming at kinesiology.
A kinesiologist typically uses exercise and movement to help people recover from injuries and illnesses or reach their health and fitness goals. It is a growing field incorporating numerous specialties, including rehabilitation, sports performance, and exercise.
“These girls all have a bright future,” said Juarez-Logan. “They’re all winners. Of course – I handpicked them and trained them.”
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why Hardin Valley Academy student athlete training team is unusual
