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Student athletes at California Baptist University worked hard during every practice and game. However, less attention focused on those who worked behind the scenes to keep athletes competing: the athletic trainers who supported every team at CBU.
Michele Vasquez, assistant athletic director for sports medicine, helped athletes navigate demanding schedules each day. Athletic trainers supported student athletes emotionally and provided preventative guidance while athletes completed physical therapy and training to remain prepared for competition.
“Since I was in high school, athletic trainers have come a long way; we help athletes prevent injuries with our equipment and assigned exercises unique to their sport,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez worked as an athletic trainer for decades. In her role, she supported student athletes in many ways alongside the athletic training team.
“In our role as the trainer, we do a lot of pre- and post-therapies, which include preventative strength training plans and use tools like ultrasound to help heal our athletes,” Vasquez said.
For CBU student-athletes, trainers served not only as a resource for performance and recovery but also as an additional support system.
With the pressure to perform both on the field and in the classroom, athletic trainers remained an important emotional resource for student athletes.
“Its very rewarding being able to help heal and protect our athletes; we have a special camaraderie and relationship with the team and feel a part of one big family,” Vasquez said.
While injuries often presented challenges, the recovery process built meaningful relationships between trainers and athletes. These experiences strengthened the connection between the two and added deeper purpose to the work.
“The job is very fulfilling and feels purposeful every day, not just in the big moments but in the everyday little moments, I know I chose the right career every day” Vasquez added.
The National Institutes of Health emphasized the importance of athletes’ emotional and mental well-being because of the risks associated with mental health challenges.
“Mental health illness in athletes is often associated with an increased risk of injury.”
The mental and physical support provided by athletic trainers played a key role in the success of athletic programs. The need for emotional and mental support for athletes continued to grow each year.
As injuries, strain and burnout received greater attention, awareness around athlete mental health increased and highlighted the importance of stronger emotional support systems for student athletes.
The success of athletes did not happen alone but through the support of those who helped train, care for and guide them. Athletic trainers played a crucial role in shaping the experiences of CBU athletes.
Their support allowed athletes to safely compete at their highest level and contribute to lasting memories and achievements for CBU athletics.
