Sports medicine has been valuable for students athletes
Rene Gomez
An important support system that should get more recognition is the athletic training department here at Mesa Community College because they play such a large role in helping T-Bird athletes prevent or recover from nagging injuries.
The office can be found in Theo J. Heap Gymnasium with a variety of equipment for athletes to use.
Athletic Trainer Kara Cummins has been involved with the program for several years.
“I have been here for five years, three of which I have been the head trainer,” Cummins said.
Cummins was also a student trainer for two years prior to becoming an employee with the department.
Marty Parel is the assistant athletic trainer and has been with Mesa Community College for two years.
“I think one of the things I enjoy about my job is watching progression in terms of how they’re feeling and the day to day interactions that are rewarding,” Parel said.
The athletes who come in look for the training staff’s guidance to get them back to practice.
“Not only we discuss their injury, but sometimes they will talk about what’s going on in their life,” Parel said.
Cummins attended Grand Canyon University and many of her students came from there as well to get their work experience.
“Students intern with us and we can provide them with hands on opportunities,” Cummins said.
Cummins can only express pride about her former students.
“When we hear back from other programs, they tell us ‘we want another MCC kid’ and that means we’re doing our job well preparing them,” Cummins said.
Anyone interested in more information about a sports medicine career can contact Cummins at kara.cummins@mesacc.edu
