It’s not often that people are able to able to accomplish exactly what they set out to do. But that might just be the case for Mario Fernandes.
Early in the day, he works at Advance Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation on Market Street in Lynn. Later, he heads over to Lynn English High School where he works closely as the athletic trainer for nearly every team, even traveling with the football team.
“He’s very well-liked. He does a great job communicating with the kids, communicating with me and the other coaches,” English football coach Chris Carroll said. “He does a real good job, and he’s a positive influence on the kids.”
Fernandes, 29, is also the athletic trainer for the semi-pro North Shore Generals football team.
Working with football teams might be a big part of his job now, but it’s not the type of football he played growing up.
Fernandes lived in Santiago, Cape Verde, for the first 14 years of his life, and soccer was his passion.
He didn’t have electricity in his home until he was 9 years old. He never played organized soccer, but he spent his days barefoot, playing in pickup games whenever he had the chance. Little did he know it then but in high school, it would pay off.
After his family emigrated, Fernandes graduated from Chelsea High School, where he starred in soccer for the Red Devils. He received interest from numerous schools, including Springfield College, Framingham State University and Boston University, a Division I program.
Ultimately, though, he passed up the opportunity to play college soccer to work while he attended Salem State, where he was a double major in athletic training and Spanish professional studies. But he was honored to receive interest.
“I tell the kids a lot that (playing a college sport is) possible,” he said. “I wasn’t the best soccer player, but I worked hard. I got better with hard work since I wasn’t super-gifted in terms of skill. But my effort and energy helped develope into a pretty good player.”
His job revolves around working with the injured, and Fernandes said his favorite part is being able to see players return to the field.
“A big part of injuries is the psychological effect,” he said. “When kids are out for a while, it takes a lot to get back physically and mentally. When I see a kid return from an injury that’s sidelined them for a while, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction that I’ve done my job.”
As an athletic trainer, his biggest fascination is one of the most misunderstood injuries in sports: concussions.
“I’m obsessed with concussions and how they work,” said Fernandes, who attends several conferences a year on the subject to improve his own understanding.
“I want to spread the knowledge and let kids know how they work. It’s perplexing how much damage they can do later in life. I really enjoy educating people about concussions.”
Fernandes would eventually like to work toward his master’s degree and become a physician’s assistant. For now, though, look for him on the sidelines.
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http://www.itemlive.com/sports/fernandes-passionate-about-caring-for-lynn-english-athletes/article_f798fd84-6af5-11e5-9e57-e779f036b8ee.html