Shelby Bradley | Sports Co-Editor

Katie Shearer is a junior Athletic Training student from Luverne, Minnesota. Student athletic trainers are allowed to develop hands-on skills by being assigned to different sports teams throughout the year.

Shearer has been assigned to the women’s soccer, wrestling, volleyball, women’s basketball, and football teams throughout her time here at Buena Vista University (BVU). Being a student trainer requires a lot of time and the ability to handle several different responsibilities.

“The most challenging part is time management. Being an athletic training student takes a lot of time and effort. You have to learn to balance athletic training, class work, and a social life,” Shearer said.

Although there are these challenges of being an athletic training student, there are several perks.

“My favorite part is being able to help fellow students and see them reach their goals and get better,” Shearer said.

This attitude of Shearer’s did not go unnoticed as junior guard for the women’s basketball team Lexie Moreno remarks upon Shearer’s attitude during her time spent with the team two seasons ago.

“The relationship between Katie and our team was great. She was always happy to help us with whatever we needed,” Moreno said.

Moreno also noted that Shearer was a great attribute to the team and that she knew what she was doing whenever help was needed. Shearer regards upon the athletic training room and its ability to take her learning one step farther.

“The athletic training room is where the classroom meets real life. We get to work hand in hand with our instructors taking care of real injuries on real people. This makes what I am learning come to life as well as help me prepare me for my future,” Shearer said.

BVU offers several different majors that allow students to participate in hands-on activities, Shearer found her right match in Athletic Training, where will you find yours?

Graphic by Justice Gage