Athletic training event brings Hall of Fame professionals and students together
Riverside, Calif. (March 12, 2019) – The athletic training program at California Baptist University celebrated the National Athletic Training Month of March by hosting an event that allowed students to hear from acclaimed athletic training professionals. Six people who have been inducted into the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Hall of Fame shared insights from their careers on March 8.
Lisa Friesen, assistant professor of athletic training at CBU, said the purpose of the event was twofold.
“It was a combination of wanting to cast vision for our students (and) also to create an atmosphere to celebrate those who have gone before us in the profession,” Friesen said.
Julie Max, the first female NATA president and assistant athletics director at California State University, Fullerton, said her Christian faith helps shapes the care she gives.
“I am a woman of a faith and I think that has been my driving force to my patient care,” Max said.
Bill Chambers, former Fullerton College athletic trainer, explained why he enjoyed his profession.
“As an athletic trainer, you may not realize the impact you had on a young’s person life, but they will always remember how you made them feel,” Chambers said. “To me, our profession is more about outcomes rather than incomes. Our profession is about others and those you take care of.”
Rodrigo Perez, an athletic training graduate student at CBU, said the event was a great opportunity to network and learn about his future profession.
“This profession is a people profession. It’s about connecting with the people and making sure you’re striving to help as much as you can,” Perez said.
Jacqueline Davidson (’13) said hearing from the Hall of Famers was empowering and inspiring.
“We are here for a reason. Our purpose is to glorify God and to be able to use the talents that He’s entrusted us with,” Davidson said. “To tie it in with the fruit of the Spirit, you need gentleness and kindness to be able to reach people and get their trust to have that healthy work setting and to do your job well.”