Article reposted from Edmondsu.com
Author: Edmondsu.com
Three University of Central Oklahoma alumni are providing athletic training services for top athletes this summer in preparation for national and international competitions.
Samantha Carter will travel with the 2016 USA Softball Women’s National Team through September. The team, which is part of the Oklahoma City-based Amateur Softball Association, will compete at events in Oklahoma City, McKinney, Texas, Woodlands, Texas, Tokyo and Surrey, B.C., Canada. Carter, a resident of Poteau, earned a master’s in athletic training in 2015. She previously was an athletic trainer at University of California-San Diego.
Kat King and Patrick Lawrence will be athletic trainers for men’s and women’s sitting volleyball Paralympians. The athletes will compete Sept. 7-18 at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
King, an Oklahoma City resident, earned a master’s in athletic training in 2012. She currently is a certified athletic trainer for Oklahoma City University. Lawrence, who earned a master’s in athletic training in 2013, lives in San Diego and works as program manager for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Athletic trainers help prevent injuries, as well as treat them, noted Jeff McKibbin, director of UCO’s nationally accredited Graduate Athletic Training Program.
“Each graduate will travel with their team and serve as the on-site health care provider,” McKibbin said.
“The athletic trainer can be sought out by players whether for physical or mental needs. They are a combination of a nurse and therapist who provides prevention care, immediate care and administrative duties — anything that relates to the athlete’s health.”