 Monday, March 30 2026
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? 10 years at Grulla High. I completed my education at UTPA.
Why did you choose this profession?
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop?
What is your favorite part of the job?
What's your mantra or favorite quote?
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? My biggest influences are my mentors—James Meguire, Gary Aguirre, Jim Lancaster, Joe Ramos, and Andrea Miller-Pereira—who have guided and shaped me professionally. As a mom, balancing this profession and family isn’t always easy, so I’m equally grateful for the support and patience of my family, and for my coworker Rae Ashley, whose teamwork and reliability help keep everything running smoothly. They all play a meaningful role in helping me grow and succeed.
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training?  Friday, March 27 2026
Current Workplace: AP Solis/ Todd Middle School (Donna High School)
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? I am finishing my fourth year as an AT. I did my undergrad at UTRGV and received my master's from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center
Why did you choose this profession? I have always been fascinated with all things sports and fitness, ever since I was a little girl. Combined with my passion for helping people, Athletic Training just seemed like the perfect job setting for me.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? For an Athletic Trainer, the most important skills go way beyond just taping ankles and running rehab programs. The best ATs are a mix of clinician, communicator, problem-solver, and a calm leader under pressure.
What is your favorite part of the job? The most rewarding part of being an Athletic Trainer is helping athletes through their recovery and seeing them return to what they love. I really value building trust with them and being someone they can rely on, especially during challenging moments. I also take pride in staying calm under pressure and making the right decisions when it matters most. Overall, it’s the impact you have on both their physical and mental well-being that makes the role so fulfilling.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? “Don’t ever let somebody tell you… you can’t do something.”
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? Personally, my family has been my biggest influence. I credit them for me being everything I am today. Professionally, I am thankful for all my mentors along the way, especially Dr. Juan Gonzalez, who taught me that if you work hard enough at something you will achieve it, and Roxanne Faison who showed me that being an AT can be multifaceted and never boring!
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? My advice would be to go into Athletic Training with a clear understanding of your ‘why.’ It’s a very rewarding career, but it also requires long hours, adaptability, and a strong commitment to your athletes. Take full advantage of your clinical experiences, build meaningful relationships, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your patients. If you’re passionate about helping others and willing to put in the work, it’s an incredibly fulfilling profession.  Thursday, March 26 2026
Current Workplace: Valley View High School
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? I’m a first year AT! I completed both my degrees from Angelo State University.
Why did you choose this profession? I became an AT because I want to be the AT I had for my students. I have also met some great ATs that demonstrate joy for the profession.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? Time management and compassion for all!
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is definitely getting to know my student athletes better. These kids say the funniest things.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? “Be a goldfish” - Ted Lasso
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? Some of my biggest influencers professionally would be my professors each showing my qualities of good ATs and personally would be both of my younger sisters.
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? My advice would be to strive for a work-life harmony! Life will change and trying to balance everything can cause more harm than good!  Wednesday, March 25 2026
Current Workplace: Palmview High School
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education. I have been in this field for 2 years. I received my bachelors in Kinesiology with a concentration in Athletic Training and did the sports medicine internship at UTRGV in 2 years.
Why did you choose this profession? I chose this profession because I am passionate about helping student athletes while working in a sports setting.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? I believe critical thinking and problem solving are critical for an athletic trainer to develop. An athletic trainer has to make quick decisions in emergency situations and adapt rehabilitation plans for each athlete.
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is when an athlete tells me that I helped them be injury free.
What is your mantra or favorite quote? “The things that scare you only make you better and stronger.”
Who are some of your biggest influencers personally and professionally? My biggest personal influencers are my parents. They have always shown me the value of hard work, consistency, and caring for others. Watching their dedication and support has shaped the way I approach both my personal life and my career. Professionally, my coworkers and fellow athletic trainers have had a major impact on me. Being able to learn from their experience, observe their patient care, and see how they handle different situations has helped me grow in confidence and develop my own approach as an athletic trainer.
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? My personal advice for both ATs and students are to be patient with yourself and stay open to learning. Growth takes time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and build relationships with your athletes and fellow ATs.  Tuesday, March 24 2026
Current Workplace:
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education?
Why did you choose this profession?
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop?
What is your favorite part of the job?
What’s your mantra or favorite quote?
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally?
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training?  Monday, March 23 2026
Current workplace: Valley View ISD
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? This is my first year as an ATC, and I got my Bachelors/Masters degree at Angelo State University.
Why did you chose this profession? I chose this profession because I fell in love with it in high school when I was a student trainer.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? In my opinion, evaluations and first aid response are some of the most important skills for ATs to develop.
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is building rapport with my student athletes and being able to educate them about injuries and the rehabilitation process.
What’s your favorite mantra or favorite quote? “You’ll never know if you don’t try.”
Who are some of your biggest influences both personally and professionally? My biggest influencers professionally would be my professors at ASU and Ben Garcia who was my AT in high school that got me into this profession. Personally, would be my family who have supported me through everything I have done.
Do you have any advice for other Ats or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? My advice for students contemplating a career in Athletic Training would be to make sure this is what you love doing and to keep making it fun while doing it.  Friday, March 20 2026
Current Workplace: Los Fresnos High School
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? 3 years, Bachelor's degree at UTRGV & Master's degree at Tarleton State University
Why did you choose this profession? This profession is two categories that I love, both sports and healthcare.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? The skills that in my opinion are most important for an AT to develop are staying up to date on research articles, learning from fellow AT's, attending seminars, and placing yourself in situations that are out of your comfort zone.
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is the close relationships I build with athletes while rehabilitating them back to their sport, especially with athletes who have sustained a season ending injury and seeing that athlete come back to their sport.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? "Going through things you never thought you'd go through will only take you places you never thought you'd get to." -Morgan Harper Nichols
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? Some of my biggest influencers are all my former preceptors and professors from both UTRGV & Tarleton State.
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? Stay committed to the grind because your hard work will be noticed.  Thursday, March 19 2026
Current Workplace: J.Economedes High School
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? I have been an athletic trainer for 4 years. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. I chose to pursue a master’s in athletic training at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Why did you choose this profession? My senior year of high school I was set on becoming a nurse, that was my goal. That same year I had an injury and spent several weeks in the training room with my athletic trainers. I enjoyed seeing how they worked like nurses, helping people, but covering all athletic sports. That is when I had a change of heart and decided to give athletic training a try.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? Most important is communication skills. It is very important to have communication, especially when it comes to our coaches, parents, and doctors. Some other important skills to have are patience and empathy. When athletes are trying to explain their injury or what they’re feeling it is important to give them the opportunity to speak and it’s our job to listen to them and figure out how we are going to help them the best we can.
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is seeing an athlete return to their sport after being out due to an injury or surgery.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? One of my favorite quotes is “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? My husband, my grandmother, and my parents. They have all supported me throughout my time as a student, and even still as a professional. They have shaped me into who I am today.
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? Some advice I have for students is not to give up when it comes to your studies. It will be hard, but it is possible. Do not let anyone convince you that you can’t do it! One word of advice for other AT’s is to take time for yourself and your family. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too.  Wednesday, March 18 2026
Current Workplace: I have been here at Donna High School for the last 6 years
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? I will be completing my 9th year in Athletic Training. I completed my Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training at Texas Lutheran in 2017. I then completed my Master’s in Sports Science and Rehabilitation from Logan University in 2019.
Why did you choose this profession? I wanted to be close to sports, but in a meaningful way. Not just watching from the sidelines but being part of the action. I liked the idea of being trusted when it mattered most.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? The best ATs aren’t just good at taping ankles or writing rehab programs. They’re calm leaders, trusted communicators, confident decision-makers and adaptable problem-solvers. I believe these skills separate you from an average AT to a great AT.
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of being an athletic trainer is earning trust in high-pressure moments and helping athletes safely get back to doing what they love. Athletes coming back to you weeks later. Coaches trusting your word. Parents relaxing when you explain what’s happening.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? “Be the calm in the chaos”. Athletes will not remember what you said but remember how safe they felt during some of the hardest moments in their lives.
Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally? Over the last nine years of being an athletic trainer, I’ve been fortunate to learn from two incredible mentors who shaped not only how I practice, but who I am in this profession. Travis Gray, who I worked with at Chapel Hill High School, taught me that relationships are the foundation of athletic training. He showed me that trust, connection, and a little bit of swag can make this demanding profession meaningful and fun. He became family to me, and without his guidance, I truly don’t know who I would be as an athletic trainer today. I hope he’s looking down proud of me. Miss you Compa. The second most influential mentor in my career is Steffanie Becker, the absolute GOAT of athletic training here in the Rio Grande Valley. She is the epitome of what a great athletic trainer should be kind, hardworking, selfless, and deeply committed to mentoring others. Bringing me to Donna High School and learning under her leadership was an honor, and her influence continues to guide me every day.
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? If you’re an AT or a student thinking about becoming one, understand this first: athletic training is built on relationships and responsibility, not just skills. Learn your anatomy, master evaluations, and respect the science, but never forget that athletes trust you with their bodies, their confidence, and sometimes their future. Find mentors who challenge you, support you, and remind you why this work matters on the hard days. Protect your integrity, advocate for your value, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries early burnout doesn’t come from caring too much, it comes from caring without support. Most importantly, remember that success in this profession isn’t measured by wins or recognition, but by the quiet moments when someone feels safer, stronger, and more confident because you were there.  Tuesday, March 17 2026
Current Workplace: Hidalgo ISD
How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education? This is my 3rd year in the field. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and my master’s degree at King’s College in Pennsylvania.
Why did you choose this profession? I chose Athletic Training because it allows me to combine my passion for sports with my desire to help others. Especially at the high school level you’re not just helping athletes but helping them grow as young adults. I wanted to be someone they could trust and rely on, whether they’re dealing with an injury, a setback, or just need guidance.
What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop? The most important skills are communication, critical thinking, and adaptability. Athletic trainers must make quick decisions under pressure, communicate clearly with athletes, coaches, parents, physicians and adjust plans based on each athlete’s needs. Building strong relationships and earning trust is just as important.
What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part is building relationships with athletes and watching them grow throughout their high school career. It is rewarding watching them recover from injuries and seeing them return to the sport they love. Being there for them during both challenges makes the job meaningful.
What’s your mantra or favorite quote? “trust the process”
Who are some of your biggest influences both personally and professionally? Personally, my family has been my greatest source of strength and inspiration. They taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. They supported me through the long hours, stressful seasons, and moments of doubt, always encouraging me to keep going. Professionally, my mentor, Lionel Rice, had a major impact on my career. He helped guide me when I questioned whether I wanted to continue in this profession. His mentorship, encouragement, and belief in me reminded me why I started and pushed me to keep going. The way he cared for athletes and carried himself professionally set the standard for the type of Athletic Trainer I strive to be
Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training? Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and gain experience. Build relationships and ask questions. This profession requires long hours, patience and resilience, but it is incredibly meaningful work.
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