Athletic trainers play a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of student athletes, providing essential care that extends far beyond the sidelines. March is National Athletic Training Month, a time to recognize these healthcare professionals and their contributions to high school athletics.
The Role of Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly trained healthcare professionals specializing in injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. They collaborate with coaches, athletes, and medical professionals to create a safe sports environment. From implementing injury prevention programs to providing immediate on-site care and post-injury rehabilitation, ATs ensure student-athletes can perform at their best while minimizing the risks of sports-related injuries.
Meet Woodhaven’s Athletic Trainer
At Woodhaven High School, Brittany Tyler, MA, AT, ATC, serves as the dedicated athletic trainer, supporting student athletes through injury prevention and rehabilitation. A former athlete herself, Brittany discovered her passion for athletic training through her own experiences in sports and her desire to help others.
“I love being an athletic trainer because I get to combine my love for sports with my passion for healthcare. Helping studentathletes recover and get back to doing what they love is incredibly rewarding,” said Tyler.
Tyler earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Central Michigan University and later received her Master’s in Sports Administration from Wayne State University. In addition to her role as an AT, she also teaches the athletic training course at Woodhaven High School, providing students with insight into the field. This course covers the fundamentals of athletic training from both clinical (taping, bracing, injury evaluation) and professional (administration, ethics, legal considerations) perspectives, giving students a deeper understanding of this accredited healthcare profession.
How Athletic Trainers Keep Athletes Safe
Athletic trainers play a crucial role in keeping athletes healthy and safe through a variety of methods, including:
Implementing injury prevention techniques such as proper warm-ups, stretching, and strength training.
Providing immediate on-site care for injuries like concussions, sprains, and fractures.
Developing and overseeing post-injury rehabilitation programs to ensure a safe return to play.
Educating athletes on hydration, nutrition, and overall wellness to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
For nearly 75 years, athletic trainers have been dedicated to getting athletes back in the game and keeping them there. From the initial injury evaluation to the final day of rehabilitation, certified athletic trainers provide quality healthcare whenever and wherever it is needed. At the WBSD, we also want to recognize and thank the other Downriver League Athletic Trainers who take care of all of our students:
Karley Mason - Carlson High School
Meaghan Rourke - Allen Park High School
Claire Ciarlino - Lincoln Park High School
Susan Webb - Trenton High School
Deron McClelland - Wyandotte Roosevelt High School
Emma Reid - Edsel Ford High School
Matthew Drake - Southgate Anderson High School
This National Athletic Training Month, we recognize and appreciate the vital work of athletic trainers across all levels of competition. To learn more about the role of athletic trainers, visit Michigan Athletic Trainers Society and National Athletic Trainers’ Association.