Article reposted from The Gazette
Author: Max Hoxie
Despite working behind the scenes, Misti Thompson is a crucial part of the Xavier athletics community.
Thompson serves as Xavier’s licensed athletic trainer. She can be seen spending countless hours at practices and events helping students in a variety of ways.
“I like how every day is different,” Thompson said. “I evaluate, diagnose and treat injuries, and I look at them to see what needs to be done in order to treat it. It can range from taping ankles, to treatments, to full rehabilitation. I also communicate with coaches and athletes about their options if they require further help.”
Although Thompson primarily works alone, she does receive help from students, such as sophomore Landon Santel.
“I assist the certified/licensed athletic trainer or medical personnel who is examining an athlete for an injury,” Santel said. “I also do blood cleanup and basic wound care.”
With Thompson’s guidance, Santel hopes to learn more about what it takes to hold a career in the medical field.
Santel is not alone when it comes to benefiting from Thompson’s guidance. Student athletes also see the value in Thompson and her work.
For senior basketball player Max Techau, the dedicated work of Thompson has had an important impact when overcoming injury.
“I sprained my right ankle last season and she helped a lot by taping it and using an ultrasound to treat it, as well as recommending exercises to help strengthen it,” Techau said. “She still tapes my ankles before most home games.”
Techau is not the only one who has received help from Thompson. Junior soccer player Will Hangan had a variety of ailments.
“She helped me with my sprained meniscus, stress fracture in my back and my knee,” Hanigan said. “When I hurt my knee, she gave me several exercises as well as taped it up before games and practices. For my back, she helped with my rehab going into the season.”
Thompson devotes not only her time, but also her energy to help Xavier student athletes perform to the best of their abilities.