Athletic Trainer Personal Statement

Since working my first soccer game as an athletic training student aide for my high school when I was 15 years old, I knew that I wanted to pursue Athletic Training in college. I was fortunate enough to take a sports medicine elective class in high school and I loved learning about injuries in sports, the important role of an athletic trainer, and the hands on experience the class offered. This class sparked my interest in sports medicine and I have since worked hard to make my goal of becoming an athletic trainer a reality by attending the University of Georgia and majoring in athletic training. After completing my first semester in the Athletic Training program, I have loved every second of it; the hands on experience and the challenge it offers to learn something new and

different. My original goal coming into college was to major in athletic training and then go to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. However, after a few weeks into my clinical rotation working with UGA’s track and field team, I realized that a career in athletic training was the perfect fit for me! I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the athletes, helping with rehabilitation and treatments, and being on the field during meets which led me to forego the medical school route and pursue athletic training as a full time career.

My goal after graduating UGA is to attend a large Division 1 school and participate in a graduate assistantship while earning my masters degree in athletic training. My long term goal is to work with the US Olympic team as an athletic trainer. I feel that I am deserving of this scholarship because like Lori Mobley Groover, I am also passionate about the profession and the impact athletic trainers make on and off the field and I believe I can contribute many valuable skills to the growing field of athletic training. These skills include paying close attention to detail, working well under pressure, and good communication skills. I believe these qualities are vital to be a successful athletic trainer and my ability to focus and notice the small things, remain calm during stressful situations, and interact and share information effectively with different types of people will help me to excel as a leader and an athletic trainer and allow me to better serve those around

me. I know the athletic training profession will provide me with a rewarding career that challenges me while combining my passion for helping others through prevention, rehabilitation and treatment of injuries and working with the athletic population. medicine and working with athletes on a day to day basis. This scholarship will not only help to ease the financial burden of college but will encourage me to continue to pursue athletic training one accomplishment at a time. I am looking forward to my future as an athletic trainer and not only the impact I’ll be able to have on the athletes but in the ever changing field of athletic training!