No matter the event, the student trainers can be seen on the field, court, or track helping in many ways. Whether they are grabbing waters or administering first aid, these students are an important aspect of the Battlin’ Bears. These students are juniors Aydan Montoya, Caitlyn Long, Ri’Asia Nelson, Mylashia Mahoney, and senior My’Asia Johnson.
Outside of games, the trainers have a variety of hobbies. Mahoney and Nelson enjoy reading and cooking, while Johnson listens to music and bakes. Montoya fishes in his downtime, and Long enjoys running and hanging out with friends. Despite busy schedules and a shared interest in the trainer program, they all have their separate activities with some overlapping.
Alongside different hobbies, the trainers also each have their own original goals. For example, Mahoney strives to not only become an educator, but to also be the head director of her own school. Nelson wants to get her RN and be a neonatal nurse in the future. Johnson aims to earn a degree in culinary arts and travel around the world.
While they are often seen in the stadium lights, there are some things people do not know about the trainers. Mahoney likes math more than people might realize, for instance, and Nelson is an organized introvert who loves God. Johnson dreams of traveling, specifically to Greece and Mount Olympus. Long loves to read, and Montoya is kinder and nicer than people know.
While a lot of their time is devoted to the stadium, each of the trainers has their own favorite class to attend as well. Mahoney’s favorite is Principles of Health Services, while Nelson’s is Principles of Therapeutic Healthcare. Johnson regards Advanced Culinary as her top class, and both Long and Montoya credit the training class as theirs.
Alongside having their own favorite classes, each trainer has their own accomplishments as well. Mahoney says her proudest achievement is figuring out new and difficult things. Johnson’s biggest accomplishment is passing her manager’s test, Long’s is pushing herself, and Montoya’s is meeting new people.
These accomplishments and their many others were thanks to multiple different inspirations for each individual. Mahoney’s grandmother taught her to work hard, and Nelson’s mother showed her that she could do anything she put her mind to. Johnson’s mother pushes herself to succeed, and Long’s father is strong-willed through any struggle. Montoya credits God as his biggest inspirations.
Although they each have their own individual interests, being an athletic trainer is the one thing that brings them together. Their actions can be seen in the spotlight at not only this upcoming football game, but many games after.
According to athletic trainer Sheri Hoffpauir, the student trainers are a great group of kids.
“They do an amazing job, work well with each other and are always ready to help out our athletes in any way they can,” Hoffpauir said. “Their dedication to helping others and work ethic are truly amazing. I am so proud to have each one of them on my team.”
