DESOTO - Being a part of a high school sports team does not always mean you have to dawn the gridiron, hardwood, court, or diamond.
In honor of National Athletic Trainers month, DeSoto ISD is highlighting its high school students' athletic trainers who work alongside the DeSoto Sports Medicine Department, actively engaged during each game to ensure the health of their athletic peers.
Students help prep the water coolers and stock health stations with ice and towels, make ice packs, and organize other essential equipment and resources. They regularly receive direct training from the district sports management team to quickly support them during game days and emergencies.
“Our student athletic trainers are super important to the day-to-day operations of the training room and for game days,” began Tessa McElroy, DHS Assistant Athletic Director. “They have their morning duties and are a part of our emergency action plan. So, if something goes really wrong and we need help, we’ve trained them on how to deal with emergencies.”
The DeSoto ISD Sports Medicine program is led by DHS Director of Sports Medicine David Young who is excited about the opportunities to help mentor students in this field.
“We have been able to hold a precedence in the DFW area and even the state as one of the premier student programs,” said Young.
National Athletic Training Month is held every March to spread awareness about the important work of athletic trainers. DeSoto ISD salutes its Sports Medicine team and its student athletic trainers.