Explore Athletic Training – What Does an Athletic Trainer Do

Explore PlayConnected: Athletic Training

The Role of Athletic Trainers and How They Keep Athletes Safe

Our Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) are at the heart of all we do at PlaySafe USA. We believe an athlete’s safety starts well before game day. The combination of medical expertise, hands-on care, and extended education keeps athletes healthy and performing at their best.

What is an Athletic Trainer?

They are allied healthcare professionals who specialize in examination, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries, not personal trainers. They are found in middle & high schools, colleges, tournaments, and community sports events. ATCs manage athletic training rooms, emergency care, and are in constant communication with parents, coaches, school administrators, and fellow medical professionals. From taping an ankle to assessing symptoms throughout the concussion-return-to-play protocol, ATCs are the first line of defense in an athlete’s recovery.

What It Takes to Become a Certified Athletic Trainer

Each ATC undergoes years of preparation and dedication that includes:

– A master’s degree from an athletic program
– A state board certification exam
– Ongoing education to stay up to date with the latest safety protocols

Safety Through Extended Education

Athletic Trainers make yearly updates to policies, procedures, and emergency action plans. They communicate this with all parties involved in athletic safety by training athletic directors, coaches, student aides, and fellow medical professionals on all updates. The ATCs also attend parent and coach meetings to establish an understanding of our scope of practice.

Sports Medicine is constantly evolving, and so are our athletic trainers. This ensures that our PlaySafe ATCs are staying current on evidence based practices allowing our athletes the best possible medical care. This foundation ensures that PlaySafe trainers are equipped with evidence-based and compassionate care, no matter the level of sport.

Building Tomorrow’s Sports Medicine Workforce

PlaySafe fuels career pathways by empowering local students to become the next generation of athletic trainers, many of whom now serve in the same schools and communities where their own athletic journeys began.

Jennifer Smith

T.L. Hanna High School alum → Completed observation hours with Jason Powell while studying Athletic Training at Erskine College → Now serves student-athletes in her home community

Haleigh Pressley

Clemson University observer at D.W. Daniel High School → Now works alongside her former mentor, Shawn Arnett

Bree Davis

Anderson University observer at Crescent High School → Returned to PlaySafe as a certified athletic trainer

Jason Powell

Former athletic trainer at T.L. Hanna High School → Mentor to future ATCs like Jennifer → Recipient of the 2024 SCATA Athletic Trainer Service Award for his continued dedication to advancing sports medicine and mentorship through PlaySafe

Full-Circle Impact: Alumni Giving Back

These PlaySafe athletic trainers are alumni of the very schools they now serve — continuing the cycle of care and mentorship for the next generation of student-athletes.

Trent Milford

Crescent High School

Jordan Cannon

Former student aide at D.W. Daniel High School → Became a certified AT and returned home to serve her school

Aubree True

D.W. Daniel High School