Every March,the sports and medical communities come together to recognize national athletic training month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role athletic trainers play in keeping athletes healthy. Organized by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), this month-long celebration, expertise, and contributions of these professionals in sports, workplace, the military and healthcare settings.
Athletic trainers are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes, providing crucial care to athletes at all levels- from high school sports teams to professional leagues. They specialize in injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, ensuring that athletes recover safely and efficiently from injuries.
At Averett University, the athletic trainers and athletic interns are constantly monitoring all the student athletes, ensuring that they can perform to the best of their ability. Head athletic trainer Maria Ochoa, joined the athletic training staff at Averett in 2019 and became the head athletic trainer in June of 2022.
“ Being an athletic trainer has allowed me to have an impact on student athletes and keep them playing the sport they love. I got into sports medicine so I could get closer to the game and play my part in sports.”
Ochoa oversees all of the sports at Averett and is the Assistant director of athletics for sports medicine.
Each year, National Athletic Training Month adopts a theme to guide its awareness efforts. The 2025 theme, “From injury to Impact,” focuses on how ATs help individuals not only recover from injuries but also regain strength, confidence, and the ability to return to their activities stronger than before.
Many organizations, including schools, hospitals, and professional sports teams, are participating by hosting events, educational sessions, and social media campaigns to share success stories of athletes who have benefited from athletic training services.
The demand for athletic trainers is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow by 17% from 2022 to 2032- much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing awareness of sports-related injuries, particularly concussions, and the need for specialized care in athletic and workplace settings.
To become an athletic trainer, individuals must complete a degree from an accredited program, pass a national certification exam, and obtain state licensure where required. Many ATs also pursue advanced degrees and specialized certifications in areas like manual therapy, strength and conditioning, and emergency care.
As the field of athletic training continues to evolve, its impact on sports medicine and injury prevention will only grow. National Athletic Training Month serves as a reminder of the dedication and expertise these professionals bring to their work everyday. Whether on the sidelines, in rehabilitation clinics, or in industrial settings, athletic trainers remain a crucial part of keeping athletes and working safe, strong, and ready to perform.
“The best part of my job is when I can help an athlete get back to full strength. Knowing that I can help someone go back to doing what they love, just makes this job all the more worth it,” said Ashley Roberts, Athletic trainer at Averett University.
Roberts joined the athletic training staff in August of 2023. Studied at Ferrum College for her undergrad and then at the University of Virginia for her masters. Roberts currently works with men’s and women’s volleyball, and the Men’s lacrosse teams at Averett.
Athletic Training Month is a time where we reflect on the great people who take care of athletes, from the high school level all the way to professionals in million dollar leagues. The men and women that take the initiative to ensure the athletes recover mentally and physically from any type of injury that may have endured. During March, we thank the unsung heroes who make it possible that athletes can go out and do what they love. The impact they have on the sports world may not always be recognized but we take the time to appreciate everything they do.
