In the world of sports and athletics here at Eastern University, students need certain people to help train us, guide us, push us and heal us to be the best athletes we can be. A significant portion of this monumental task, if not ourselves, is the duty of the Athletic Trainers on our campus.
The Waltonian asked Kelsey Mello and Austin Conn, the two new Athletic Trainers, to answer some questions about how their lives have been impacted by both the challenges and the opportunities that their positions have provided them.
Both Mello and Conn said that they had come here initially because they were on a clinical rotation. While on their rotation, they have had the opportunity to meet many of the wonderful staff and students and they have also become attached to the scenery on campus. Mello reported that “Everyone I worked with was so great. From staff to students, everyone was welcoming!” Conn reaffirmed that statement by saying, “I chose Eastern because I had a clinical here last fall and had such a great experience working with the staff and the football team. I was also drawn here because there was an opening to work with Track & Field, which was really just a bonus.”
“I like how close-knit of a community it is and how welcoming everyone is! I love how all of the student athletes want to get to know each other and not just athletes in their sport” says Mello on behalf of the small yet vibrant community on campus. It seems like Conn is also getting well-adjusted to the environment here, “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Eastern. From getting to know my athletes to working and yapping with my coworkers. I’m glad I chose Eastern and had the opportunity to be hired on.” Mello adds to these comments about the work-and-play environment: “From staff to students, everyone was welcoming! Additionally, we have seven athletic trainers in sports med here, which allows for us to have a collaborative sports medicine environment!”
Mello shared she works with sports medicine for men’s soccer, men’s wrestling, men’s lacrosse and cheerleading. Conn reports that he helps out with football, cross-country and track & field. As for their favorite sports teams to help with, Mello says she doesn’t have a particular favorite, while Conn says his favorite was football initially, but he is getting more excited to meet with cross-country and track and field.
The two have been asked if there were any significant challenges in their field, they both said that they don’t have any notable issues with getting everybody they see what they need and the opportunity to help so many people is fun and exciting for the both of them. Conn even reported on the large volume of athletes he sees: “I prefer larger teams and enjoy the chaos, so maybe that’s not necessarily a challenge.”
Something special both athletic trainers wanted us to know about them include the fact that they both either cheered for their teams or played for them back in their hometowns. Mello also said that she has a passion for mental health. Conn stated that he has a message for the footballers: “This one goes out to the football guys: I can and will lock you down and give you a bucket.” Mello’s schooling included receiving her Bachelor’s of Science from Thomas Jefferson University. She also got her Master’s of Science in Athletic Training from Thomas Jefferson University in Spring of this year and she reports that she did five clinical rotations in her 2-year M.D. program. She also has this to say about the new athletics building: “We are looking forward to our new athletics building with our new room that is in the works now!”
Conn shared, “I’m from a small town in Nebraska. While I don’t bleed red for Cornhusker football, I definitely do for volleyball. Regarding sport coverages, the Track & Field opening really drew me into the position here. My grandpa was a state championship coach back in the day, my dad still coaches at my former high school even though he’s ‘retired’ and my brother has followed in their footsteps and has been coaching high school track for about 10 years now. I guess it was natural for me to gravitate toward the sport.”
These athletic trainers are very welcoming for anyone who wishes to try their best at their sports and help the athletes get better at them while they train and play. If you want or do play any of the sports listed above in this article, you have two great sports medicine suppliers on hand to help you to recover from injuries and make sure you are as safe as you can be while you play!
