NY Liberty - Athletic Trainer


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When you watch a professional team like The Liberty play on a regular basis, it's hard not to marvel at the superb physical shape of these top athletes. It takes a great deal of hard work for athletes to stay in top competitive form and for that reason each team must have a qualified Athletic Trainer.

Athletic trainers develop and implement strength and conditioning programs for the players to follow both in-season and out-of-season. It is also important for the trainer to work closely with the Team Physician to attend to and treat injuries, which often includes special treatment and rehabilitation programs.

A good athletic trainer may wear several hats, including that of business manager, equipment manager, secretary and adjunct mom or dad to the players. Making sure that the team has the proper equipment for practice and rehabilitation programs is the equipment manager part of the job. Handling administrative duties including paperwork, filling out insurance forms, coordinating doctors appointments and keeping medical records is the earmark of a good athletic trainer. Making sure that players take their medication, eat right (often arranging team meals) and do their exercises is reminiscent of mom or dad. A diverse position, indeed, the athletic trainer for the Liberty also has the responsibilities of travel coordinator, making sure all itineraries with buses, airlines, and hotels are in order.

Lisa White joined the New York Liberty as the Head Athletic Trainer in 1997 and plays an important role in the team's success. She has worked hard with the Liberty players to prevent injuries and coordinate rehabilitation programs for the team's walking wounded. "The most challenging part of my job is keeping the athletes healthy and educating them about their bodies and injuries" says White. When injured players return to action and help the team win, White knows she's done her job well.

To get to her current position, White gained her National Athletic Training Certification and her M.A. in Sports Management. She advises anyone looking to begin a career as the Athletic Trainer for a team to put in a lot of time and seek out internships. "The experience you can gain is invaluable and may land you a job if you do well."

Anyone who enjoys and appreciates physical conditioning and creating a well-honed winning team might consider the position of an Athletic Trainer.