March celebrates National Athletic Trainer Month, a time to recognize the work of sports medicine staff and the impact they have across NCAA and club programs.
At the University of Wisconsin-Superior, athletic trainers Ben Kasper, Kirsten Heffner, Morgan Olsen and Trevor Weidt, in partnership with Essentia Health, provide comprehensive care for student-athletes throughout the year, with another athletic trainer set to join the staff in the fall.
Athletic trainers handle a wide range of responsibilities, from injury prevention and rehabilitation to coordinating medical care and managing required documentation.
“They really are the ones that provide the day-to-day support,” said Nick Bursik, UWS director of athletics. “They are a big part of our department and the student-athlete experience.”
Bursik also acknowledged team physicians Dr. Kathryn McLellan and Dr. Luke Widstrom, who work alongside the athletic trainers to support the health and well-being of UWS athletes.
At UWS, trainers treat injuries ranging from ankle sprains to ACL tears while also creating individualized plans to help prevent future and recurring injuries, especially for athletes with a history of injuries. “We help build programs that can help prevent injuries from happening,” said Ben Kasper, head athletic trainer.
On a typical day, the staff leads rehabilitation sessions and provides treatments such as dry needling, electrical stimulation, the Graston® and other soft tissue mobilization techniques. However, much of their effort happens behind-the-scenes.
“A lot of people think we’re only there when someone gets hurt,” Kasper said. “It starts way before that and way after that.”
Even during games, when trainers may appear inactive, preparation remains constant.
“If you ever see us standing around, that means it’s a good thing. We’re having a good day,” Kasper said. “But…things can kind of go south at any minute.”
That’s where the preparation comes in. “We’re thinking about, ‘Okay, if this happens, here’s where we need to go, here’s what we need to do,’” Kasper said.
Athletic trainers also serve as a support system for athletes navigating the mental challenges of injury and recovery, helping connect them with additional campus resources when needed.
For Kasper, the most rewarding part of the job is helping athletes return to competition after long recoveries. “Seeing that person go through the beginning stages and all the way to the end…that’s the best,” he said.
While their dedication may not always be visible, every practice, game and tournament wouldn’t be possible without the care and preparation provided by athletic trainers.
