What do these all have in common? They are all apart of almost any sporting team now days, but they really do not get recognized as much as they should. All play an important asset to the team and usually go unnoticed at time.
My self being an athletic trainer can spend just as much time, probably even more time, as the athletes and coaches do in the athletic training room and at practices. Usually mornings consist of athletes coming in for rehab, doing treatment with an athlete that has been injured and is getting better or treatment to prevent an injury. The afternoons an hour before practices or games is utilized to get the athletes prepared for the game or practice.
Team managers and strength and conditioning coaches also spend a lot of time dedicated to the team they are helping out. Strength and conditioning coaches spend time getting the athletes fast, stronger, and more powerful so that they are the best athletes they can be. Team managers do things behind the scene that the coaches may ask them to do, the dirty work (laundry or film).
When traveling with teams that is when you feel you are really apart of the team. You travel with the team and you have team bonding, whether it is on the bus, going out to eat, or just hanging out where ever you go it is a great time to get to know the athlete and they you. They accept you and they acknowlegde that you are apart of their team. Then if for some reason you can not be there they notice and are not as happy when you are not there. It is a great feeling to know that you do mean something to them and feel a special bond with them.
As an athletic trainer I was very happy to get recognized at senior night for the team I work with. It shows that you may not think you are being recognized, but they do and they appreciate all that they you do for them.
So the next time you see your athletic trainer or team manager tell them thank you. You may not think it means that much but sometimes it does.
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