By: Kaelie Kellner
You’ve probably seen the two girls carrying water bottles along the side lines of every Varsity football game. These girls are much more than just “water girls” as they are a huge addition to helping the team flow in the right direction week after week.
“We help in the training room and go to practice every day,” said Senior Abbie Andersen, “If somebody gets hurt, we help them.”
Andersen, along with Sophomore Katie Squire, hold this year’s position of Assistant Student Athletic Trainers after being sought out by the school’s trainer, Julie Buck. These dedicated girls show up to practice every day after school and attend every Varsity game, giving them the necessary experience to help them pursue athletic training as a possible future career.
Being new to athletic training, the girls faced definite struggles and complications at first.
“It was the third practice and this kid fell head first onto the ground and got knocked out and we had to call 911,” said Andersen. “We had no idea what we were doing.”
The student trainers have learned a lot as the season has progressed and are thankful to have Buck on their side at all times when dealing with scary situations and major injuries.
Andersen and Squire get more out of being Assistant Trainers than just obtaining medical knowledge and experience.
“I think the coolest part is being on the side lines during the games,” said Andersen. “The whole atmosphere is different.”
Although Andersen hasn’t been able to watch from the student section, she has loved feeling the hype and energy that takes place during every game from a different perspective. These girls have also had the opportunity to meet and work with many people they otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to if it weren’t for working as Student Trainers.
“We spend over 20 hours a week with the players and coaches, so you get pretty close with them,” said Andersen.
These girls are often underestimated and only recognized as the “water girls”. Not many students acknowledge the hard work, skill, and time commitment these girls contribute to better our football team each week.
