An Athletic Trainer is a certified and licensed health care professional, practicing in the area of sports. Recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), they are trained to help diagnose, treat and prevent sports injuries in all types of sports settings.
They work to prevent injuries of student-athletes but when an injury occurs, an Athletic Trainer evaluates the injury, monitors injury rehabilitation, and consults with physicians and coaches to make sure safety protocols are followed for the well-being of the athlete and their recovery.
Athletic Trainers are invaluable for a multitude of reasons, along with prevention and care, they make sure the athletes are cleared for participation in sports, monitor extreme weather practice and game conditions, perform concussion assessments and monitor concussed athletes and implement rehabilitation plans for injured players to name just a few.
March is National Athletic Trainer Month. Jen Salmon has been the Athletic Trainer at Marshall County High School for four years and 15 years in the profession. Jen can be found at practices and games in all weather conditions working tirelessly behind the scenes, watching over the athletes, the first to respond and provide care in the situation and is a big part of the successful and safe return of the student-athlete after an injury occurs.
Her compassion doesn’t stop with the care of the athletes, Jen is also well-known for her chocolate chip cookie treats, sending athletes off to important events, tournaments and competitions with a container full of them. Also the occasional visit from her dog Addey that brightens the day.
“Trainer Jen” is a native of Milford, IL, and attended Eureka College where she played basketball and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training and a minor in Business. She also has her Master’s degree in Sports Fitness and Sports Psychology from the United States Sports Academy. Jen is employed by the Orthopaedic Institute of Western Kentucky where she is also a Physical Therapy Assistant.
