The Heroes Behind College Athletics: National Athletic Training Month
Every March, we take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of athletic trainers during National Athletic Training Month (NATM). These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in the success of Bluefield University’s athletic programs.
Among BU’s outstanding athletic trainers is Head Athletic Trainer Erika Bell, Associate Athletic Trainer Josh Shroyer, and Assistant Athletic Trainers Steve Baldwin and Stormy Hill. With a combined 40 years of experience, these trainers keep BU athletes healthy, assist in injury prevention, and ensure quick recovery. They spoke about what led to their careers in sports medicine/athletic training.
“Sports was always something that I loved, and I knew I wanted to be a part of them even if I wasn’t playing anymore,” Hill said. “As I got older, I became more interested in the injuries and immediately knew it (sports medicine/athletic training) was what I wanted to do.”
Bell said having sports injuries herself and seeing how athletic trainers cared for her inspired her to become an AT.
“I spent a lot of time injured and in the training room my senior year of high school,” Bell said, “and I learned what athletic training was. I decided right then [to be an AT] and stuck with it.”
The trainers work with all 14 varsity sports on campus, which is no easy task, yet they provide the best care and therapy possible to each athlete that walks into the training room. Shroyer spoke about the best part of working with student-athletes and coaches at BU.
“It is really rewarding watching athletes compete, especially after a big injury,” he said. “The work they put into getting back onto the court or field at a high level [is the best part].”
From serious injuries to minor pains, the trainers are always willing to assist any athlete in need. Women’s basketball player Katelyn Norman is no stranger to the training room as she is recovering from her third anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. She spoke about how Shroyer helped her the most.
“All the trainers are welcoming, but Josh is helping and pushing me to get back on the court after this final knee surgery,” Norman said.
In addition to providing care, the trainers are always there to listen and help in any way they can, even if it’s simply welcoming athletes with a smile. Football player Nehemiah Carter spoke about his experience in the training room.
“The trainers always find a way to make me laugh when I need it most,” he said.
Sports have a way of bringing athletes of the past and present together, which happens daily in the BU training room. Baldwin and Shroyer both mentioned they enjoy working at football games the most due to playing the sport prior to becoming athletic trainers. Now, they get to experience the excitement on the sidelines from a different perspective.
The contributions of athletic trainers extend beyond sports; they are educators, mentors, and advocates for athletes’ health and safety. The work of Bluefield University’s athletic trainers ensures that student-athletes can perform at their highest level while maintaining long-term wellness.
From college campuses to professional sports, athletic trainers give all athletes a sense of assurance that even during inevitable injuries, full recovery is possible. Join us this month in recognition of BU’s four athletic trainers for being the unsung heroes for the athletes and sports we love.