Q & A with Melissa Angel, ATC, from Ribault High School, one of the first five certified athletic trainers appointed to Duval County Public High Schools in 2015 through Project 17
This past July, the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, National Football League, City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville University and the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program announced Project 17, a collaborative effort to place full-time certified athletic trainers in 17 Duval County Public High Schools by 2020. The program was initiated to increase safety for student-athletes by placing certified athletic trainers on the game field; these ATCs are specifically trained in preventing, recognizing and caring for injuries sustained by students participating in Duval County Public High School athletic programs. This fall, Andrew Jackson, Baldwin, Englewood, Raines and Ribault were the first five high schools to have an ATC assigned to them.
Melissa Angel, ATC, shares what the first semester has been like working with student-athletes at Ribault High School.
Q: What made you want to become a certified athletic trainer?
A: I spent three years in nursing school but found myself unattached to that profession. I love sports and helping others in a healthy environment, so I did a soul search and ended up declaring my major in athletic training.
Q: What sports do you oversee at Ribault?
A: I started in August right after the pre-season ended with football, and I’ve followed the players into their fall season. Currently, I’m overseeing football, soccer, softball, basketball and weight lifting for the JV and varsity teams.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: It usually starts around 2 pm. I set up coolers with water for the athletes and I help those who need to be taped before a practice or game or who need to be rehabbed. Once I feel like they’re set, I get my bag together and head out to the field and scope around, circulating between football and soccer every 20 minutes or so, then I go to the gym to watch practice. My school holds practices at the same time, so I rotate around where I’m needed and I stay late into the evening hours until practices and games are over.
Q: What was it like the first few weeks on the job?
A: It took a while for the athletes to warm up to me because they weren’t sure what my role was there. They’d never had a full-time trainer in the past, only during coverage for some games. Once I explained my purpose and they could see I had the support of the coaching staff, they welcomed me, and appreciate me being there. The administration and coaching staff have welcomed me with open arms, too. They treat me like family and respect my expertise.
Q: How have the athletes’ parents received you?
A: I make sure to keep an open line of communication with parents, sometimes with the help of the principal or the athletic director, to ensure that they get the information they need regarding their student-athlete. If there’s an injury during a game, I’ll go up in the stands and speak to the parents, explain what’s going on and what needs to be done, and talk to them about how their child will move forward following the injury. They are very thankful for what I have to offer, and that I’m here for their kids.
Q: How does it feel to be one of the first five certified athletic trainers to be placed in Duval County Public Schools through Project 17?
A: I am truly humbled to be part of this initiative. It’s amazing to be among the first group of certified athletic trainers to have this opportunity!
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The thing I love the most is working with the athletes. I get to grow in my career working with athletes who are also willing to grow in the ability of athleticism. I also love helping others and making sure they are my main priority.
Q: Did you play sports as a student? What do you enjoy now?
A: I ran cross country, and played basketball and soccer in high school. Currently, I play in the Beaches Adult Soccer League.
Q: Where are you from, and where did you get your training?
A: I’m from Monroe, N.Y., and I got my Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree at Dominican College in Orangeburg, N.Y.
For more information about the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program’s Project 17, visit jsmp.us or call 904.202.4332.
