When you walk by a lacrosse game or a basketball practice, you might not always notice the athletic trainer working behind the scenes or standing on the sidelines. While the athletes are on the field or court, the trainer is usually nearby making sure everyone is safe. They tape ankles before games, help with injuries, and guide athletes through recovery. Athletic trainers play a really important role in keeping students healthy and able to compete. Stephanie Maszer, also known as Steph, shared what made her want to become an athletic trainer and what the job is really like.
Steph first became interested in athletic training in high school. She shadowed her school’s athletic trainers and athletic director as part of an internship requirement. After spending the whole spring season with them, she realized she wanted to do it as a career. “After spending the entire spring season with them, I knew I wanted to go into this field,” Steph explained to me.
To become an athletic trainer, Steph went to Brookdale Community College, Rider University, and Montclair State University. Along the way, she completed about 1,500 clinical hours working in schools and clinics. She took classes like Principles of Athletic Training and Therapeutic Interventions, where she learned necessary skills such as taping, rehab exercises, and evaluating injuries. She also worked at a physical therapy clinic for two years, which helped her feel more confident working with patients and creating rehab plans.
Steph said her daily schedule changes depending on practices and games. On practice days, she tapes athletes, helps injured students with rehab exercises, and moves between different teams to make sure everyone is covered. On game days, she gets equipment ready, sets up water, and tapes athletes before they compete. She also explained that people often misunderstand her job. “We’re the first ones to respond to injuries, we help through the healing process, and we get students back on the field,” Steph said.
One of the hardest parts of the job, Steph explained, is having to make quick decisions under pressure. She described a playoff football game where a player collapsed and needed CPR, which was very stressful and serious. Even with difficult moments like that, she said her favorite part of the job is building relationships with students and being part of the school community. Her advice for students interested in athletic training is to start early by shadowing trainers, volunteering, and learning basic skills like how to wrap an ankle.
Overall, Steph’s story shows how much work and responsibility goes into being an athletic trainer. As she said, “Athletic trainers are often the first people to respond when someone gets injured and the last people helping athletes safely return to their sport.”
