Like many high schools, ours has an athletics program, and of course athletes often have injuries. Clearfield High School has a great athletic trainer, Sam Morgan. I asked Ms. Morgan several questions so students can get to know a little bit about her. She has been an athletic trainer for 13.5 years. Throughout her high school years Ms. Morgan played volleyball, basketball, and softball and graduated from Clearfield High School in 2004.

Q: Did you have to go to school for athletic training? Where did you go, and how long?

Ms. Morgan: “You must complete an advanced degree to become an athletic trainer. The program this passed year have become a Master’s program that is 6 years long. I went to William Paterson University of New Jersey for my undergraduate (4 years). Then I got my Master’s at California University of PA (2 years online). I am currently enrolled at A.T. Still University of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, Arizona for my Doctorate in Athletic Training (3 year program online).”

Q: What is the thing you do more often than anything else?

Ms. Morgan: “I tape, stretch, and just talk to the students the most. Every person that comes into my office I like to say hi to, even if they don’t need anything. Sometimes kids just need to talk. I want to be a person they can talk to if they frustrated about their sport or life. Eventually they will be taped or stretched.”

Q: What is your least favorite thing to do for a student injury?

Ms. Morgan: “My least favorite thing to do for a student athlete, is to tell them that they have a serious injury that causes them to not play for the season, and ends up with surgery. It is a very hard conversation, but having a great relationship with them, helps create a plan for us to get through it together.”

Q: How do you educate athletes about the prevention of injuries?

Ms. Morgan: “I use any opportunity I can to educate athletes. I allow for questions about what and WHY I am doing what I’m doing. If they witness an injury or have an injury themselves, I will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the injury. I then go over what I am looking for and why. Finally, We discuss the possible plans to fix the problem by various means and how they may go. We started an AT Club this year and we are learning how to tape and stretch various injuries. Any conversation or situation can be a teaching moment if you are open to learn.”

Q: What are your strengths and weaknesses being an athletic trainer?

Ms. Morgan: “Strengths of being an athletic trainer is that you are the first line of defense when an injury happens. You can help lessen a serious injury, or if there is a serious injury you can take care of it in a quick fashion to help the athlete recover. You gain a vast knowledge base on sports and the body and their intertwined nature. I have played many sports, when added to my education, experience, and personality, I am a person that truly invests my entire self to those that I can help. Weakness is that I tend to overextend myself and become very run down. I wish I was a twin so that I could be everywhere. Sometimes I can’t fix every issue.”

Q: What are your strengths and weaknesses being an athletic trainer?

Ms. Morgan: “Strengths of being an athletic trainer is that you are the first line of defense when an injury happens. You can help lessen a serious injury, or if there is a serious injury you can take care of it in a quick fashion to help the athlete recover. You gain a vast knowledge base on sports and the body and their intertwined nature. I have played many sports, when added to my education, experience, and personality, I am a person that truly invests my entire self to those that I can help. Weakness is that I tend to overextend myself and become very run down. I wish I was a twin so that I could be everywhere. Sometimes I can’t fix every issue.”

Q: What is your top favorite school sport to watch?

Ms. Morgan: “I honestly don’t have a favorite sport to watch. As the seasons wind down, I am ready for the next season to start. I can get into all of the sports. The more competitive and individual can be in their sport the more I’m drawn to that experience. I love to see everyone succeed at a high ability.”

Q: Do you aspire to be like anyone? If so, who?

“I do not really aspire to be anyone but my authentic self. If I can be real and honest with the athletes, coaches, and parents, I can EARN their trust. I believe that a positive attitude and a kind and understanding nature can really help people.”