What brought you to UNI?

I completed my undergraduate degree at UNI in just two years and really valued the supportive environment throughout my time here. I built strong connections with my classmates and developed great relationships with my professors, which made continuing my education at UNI for my master’s an easy decision. 

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

I really valued the opportunity to build strong relationships with my classmates while gaining diverse hands-on clinical experience. Through the program, I worked with Division I athletics, in medical clinics, at a community college, and had my favorite rotation at Waterloo East High School. These experiences were made possible by our clinical experience coordinator and our program’s clinical preceptors. These opportunities played a major role in my professional development as a future athletic trainer.

How did you become interested in your program? 

I’ve always known I wanted to work in healthcare, specifically in orthopedics. My undergraduate observation experience with the Women’s basketball team and the mentorship from my professors helped solidify my decision to pursue a career in athletic training. I love being part of a patient’s entire recovery process, from the moment of injury to helping them safely return to play.

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

Outside the classroom, I was actively involved in the care of a wide range of athletes through various clinical rotations. These included UNI Track & Field, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Hawkeye Community College, and Waterloo East High School. I played a hands-on role in injury evaluation, rehabilitation, and supporting the overall well-being of each athlete I worked with. In addition to my clinical work, I served as a graduate assistant for the MAT program, assisting professors with academic needs. I also served as President of the UNI Student Athletic Training Organization, where I organized meetings, skill-building opportunities, and events like the AT Olympics. Lastly, I was a member of the Iowa Athletic Training Student Leadership Committee, where I helped coordinate events focused on professional advocacy and networking within the athletic training community.

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI?

Professors like Dr. Kelli Snyder and Dr. Tricia Schrage have been incredibly supportive. Their mentorship really shaped my professional growth. They pushed me to develop confidence in my clinical decision-making and have turned me into a confident future athletic trainer. 

Post-graduation plans?

Following graduation, I plan on moving out to Fort Collins, CO with my fiancé where I will work as a certified athletic trainer. 

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?

UNI prepared me for my post-graduation plans by providing a strong foundation in both clinical and classroom settings. The variety of clinical rotations helped me develop confidence in evaluating, rehabilitating, and communicating with diverse patients. Whether on the sidelines or in a clinic, I learned how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and guide patients through every step of their care. These experiences have equipped me to step confidently into my role as a certified athletic trainer.

What advice would you give to students currently looking into grad schools?

Choose a program that offers the resources and support to help you become the best practitioner you can be after graduation. I chose UNI’s athletic training graduate program because of the strong support system from both professors and clinical preceptors. The smaller class sizes also allowed me to form connections with my classmates and faculty, which enhanced professional growth.