My journey in athletic training has been a long and winding road. I come from a geographic area that does not have athletic trainers in high schools, so, though I was an athlete in school, I had no idea what an AT was. I was a junior in college with no real direction when I found athletic training, and something in me ignited. Before this, I felt like I had no real direction, but once I found a career that involved sports and healthcare, I was all in. I got my bachelor's degree in athletic training from West Texas A&M University. I followed the path of a GA position as a new graduate, and part of my GA position was teaching a freshman-level first aid class. It was here that I found another passion— teaching. I enjoyed the way I could help someone learn something that I, myself, am passionate about.

I love working in sports and in the field, and I love being a preceptor, helping the next generation of athletic trainers prepare for the profession. I want to be a better preceptor, teacher, and advocate for the profession. So, I decided it’s time to take the leap toward the next step. I spent quite a bit of time researching Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) programs and found ATSU. Some of my own mentors are ATSU alums, and they had nothing but wonderful things to say about their time at ATSU and the DAT program. They felt that this program didn’t just add letters to their name but rather knowledge to their skill set. I envied this and knew I needed to get involved as well.

Thus far in the DAT program, I have been able to build on my knowledge base as a clinician and a leader in athletic training. I have networked and built relationships with athletic trainers from all around the United States. I have been nudged toward service in the athletic training profession to see a better future for other ATs. I’m excited to see what my final year in the DAT program has to offer, and I am excited to disrupt the athletic training profession in a positive way.