Athletic Student Training Aide makes a difference for TKA football team

photo by Addie Beatty Junior Athletic Trainer Etta Slade helps football player wrap ankle during practice.

The Athletic Student Training Aide (ATSA) started in 2023 for high school girls interested in athletic training to assist The King’s Academy football players. The trainers learn how to wrap different injuries and treat the players during games and practices. 

“ATSA is not just getting to stand on the sidelines of football games,” junior Etta Slade said. “We're at nearly every practice long before and well after the players. And even on gameday our routine starts around 4pm.”

This program has been beneficial to TKA football players ever since it was founded by Bible teacher Mrs. Bonds. Not only do the trainers help at games, but they also are at every practice assisting the team. 

“The upperclassmen usually take the coolers and fill them with ice and water, while the lowerclassmen handle hydration while players are in the weight room,” freshman Zoey Kinnel said.

The trainers see what most people who watch from the bleachers do not. Kinnel explained that after helping make water bottles the trainers go down to the field to set up equipment. Some trainers help do preventative taping while others adjust helmets and pads. Throughout the practice ATSA trainers make sure the players have enough water and watch the field for injuries.

“ATSA helped me realize just how intense the sport can be,” Slade said. “Everyone sees what happens under the stadium lights, but it's rare to see the effects a game can have on a player a week later. I've grown a lot of respect for football players who can get beat up during a game, 

and still come back on Monday for practice. It also made me realize how crucial trainers are to the sport. The coaches and players are always appreciative of us and it makes me realize how much we get to serve the team.” 

With injuries constantly happening on the field, whether it's practice or game day, ATSA can be stressful. When an injury occurs, the trainers are who players come to. 

 “Especially before and during games, everything is fast paced and people are looking to us to help the situation,” Slade said. Thankfully, with having a team of 6 trainers, it's a lot easier to get things done efficiently.”

Although ATSA can be challenging, the memories trainers make with each other and the team reminds them why they love it.

“Some of my favorite memories come from before and after practices,” Slade said. “Those few minutes where players have enough downtime to come over and chat, or hang out in the parking lot and talk or even catch up while we're treating them. Getting to talk with the players and become friends with them makes the whole experience so rewarding. And even when players aren't around, getting to talk with the other trainers is a blast.”