Fountain Hills residents, as well as high school athletes, will be getting to know certified athletic trainer Alex Allen this year, as she’ll be joining the Spooner and Shaft Physical Therapy team.
As Allen explains in a letter to FHHS parents and students, she will be on-hand to provide “each student-athlete and coach with professional level athletic training services” heading into the 2015-16 academic year.
Originally from Nipomo, Calif., Allen said she spent the past three years completing her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from San Diego State University.
Currently pursuing her Master’s degree from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Allen will serve as an outreach athletic trainer for Spooner and Shaft, working with community members as well as the Falcons.
When asked how she got into the field, Allen said it all started when she was playing soccer.
“Most athletic trainers experience some sort of injury that leads them to the field,” she said.
“But I had an assistant coach that introduced me to taping and things like that. I took a course at my junior college and it all just seemed really interesting to me and worked out well.”
Allen is now working with Spooner and Shaft as part of her graduation assistantship. After exchanging information with the local site, she was interviewed and approved for the position.
“I’ll be going to classes in the morning but, in the afternoon, I’ll be working in Fountain Hills Monday through Friday,” Allen added.
“I’ll probably be here at Spooner and Shaft some, too. If I have a patient who needs more rehab, this is where that will take place. I’ll be here weekly to check up on patients and see what’s going on.”
During the school year, Allen will work with the various high school teams, starting with football, volleyball and cross country this fall.
“Today, for instance, I’m doing concussion baseline testing with football and will continue that with volleyball next week,” Allen continued.
“I’ll basically go sport by sport to make sure everyone is healthy and ready to play.”
Looking ahead, Allen said her options are pretty varied for where her career may take her. She’s worked at a community college, as well as a Division I school in the past.
“I’ve worked in that very busy setting,” she said.
“Now, at a high school, I find you’re very independent and have to wear a lot of different hats. I’m kind of learning all the different avenues at this point.
“I’m kind of leaning toward doing something in the military, though. That’s very structured, which is really appealing. That, or maybe work with a single sport team so I can really get to know and work with the individual athletes.”
Moving into her first season with the Falcons, Allen said she’s looking forward to getting to know the local student-athletes, set up routines and enjoy their games.
And as for those athletes she’ll be working with, Allen said it’s important to be preventative rather than reactive.
“Make sure you’re hydrated and paying attention to your body,” she added.
“If you don’t feel well, let me know and take a break for a minute. Keeping up on stuff like that, like eating healthy, really does help prevent and advance from injuries.”
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.fhtimes.com/sports/high_school/new-trainer-to-work-with-falcons/article_c046f16c-4069-11e5-8b4a-ab8e76f2eda8.html