Article reposted from High Point University
Author: High Point University
Two High Point University students scored internships with the Carolina Panthers during the team’s recent training camps.
Lexi Dixon, a rising senior from Concord, and Connor Whicker, a rising junior from Huntersville, served as athletic training interns, an experience that will jumpstart their future careers.
Dixon and Whicker assisted in field setup and break down, provided first aid care, ensured players were well hydrated and assisted in post-practice evaluations and treatments.
Even while working with star players such as Luke Kuechly, the students were confident in providing quality care because of the preparation they’ve received through their coursework at HPU.
“The Athletic Training department has helped me not only learn the material, but become a patient-centered clinician,” says Dixon, who worked with the linebackers. “This is done through the roughly 230 clinical hours we do a semester. HPU helped me be confident in my knowledge of the field and really helped me to make a lasting impression with the Carolina Panthers.”
Whicker says the internship helped him grow as he looks forward to a potential career in the NFL.
“The experience was incredible for my growth and development as an athletic training student,” he says. “It was awesome to interact with the players and apply what I have learned in class. Now I can take this experience back and share with my classmates at High Point University.”
Dixon and Whicker connected with this opportunity through their professors at HPU, Dr. Yum Nguyen and Dr. Nancy Groh, who helped them land the internships through networking.
“The staff in the Athletic Training department did an excellent job of preparing me in the classroom to ensure that my internship was not only successful but also a positive experience,” Whicker says.
