Athletic trainers are healthcare personnel who are trained to help, prevent, treat and diagnose injuries in various sports and settings. The talent and efficiency that they have is outstanding. They are trained to provide care while having to adhere to a code of ethics within a certain amount of time. At Carolina Forest, we have three talented and dedicated trainers: Mackenzie Heck, Head Athletic Trainer, Lauren Gainey, Associate Athletic Trainer, and Tyler Saylor, Associate Athletic trainer. 

The presence of the on-sight healthcare trainers are extremely important throughout the year.   Not only do these trainers have to attend every sport game and be on standby for injuries, they also have to work with athletes every day to help them heal. It is a very hard job with as many sports as we offer. During the Spring, there are nineteen sports being played. 

Heck commented,” I really enjoy the part of our job that requires us to think on our feet. We have to find solutions to injuries and different situations quickly. It makes for a fast-paced and fun environment.”  

They enjoy seeing athletes exceed and heal from their injury because it shows them how hard they worked and how dedicated they are. 

Gabby Hanson, a sophomore on the varsity track and cross country team, expressed,” Ms.Mackenzie and Ms.Lauren have helped me big time with my hip injury, giving me different stretches , rehab treatments, and always providing a friendly environment reminding me to take it one step at a time.” 

Hours and hours of the trainers’ days go to helping our student athletes become better. 

Heck explains that her day to day lunch treatment is filled with athletes doing what they do in order to get better and having fun while they do it. 

“Just the small jokes and memories I create with the  high schoolers that I tuck back in my mind that make me laugh.” Heck shared. 

Relationships with athletes are very beneficial as a trainer. Having to trust someone to take care of you while you suddenly get hurt and help heal you can be extremely timid. It takes a lot of compassion, empathy, selflessness and evidence-based knowledge. 

Coaches trust and rely on these athletic trainers alot for their athletes. 

Coach Fox, our JV girls lacrosse coach, explained,” Athletic trainers make it possible for me to ensure that all of my athletes are supported when they encounter any and all injuries. Without them it would be extremely difficult for me to protect my athletes physical well being.” 

Without trainers, the athletic world in high school sports would be extremely difficult and scary. We are grateful that we have these talented trainers by our side for our athletes!