The Athlete Behind the Athletes

Athlete's Journey To Becoming An Athletic Trainer

Growing up playing sports, athletic trainer Alena Nelson said she always knew she wanted to be an athletic trainer. She had a passion for sports and was dedicated to helping others achieve their goals. Today, she has made a significant impact in the lives of the school’s athletes.

“My biggest fear is disappointment in others and disappointment in myself,” Nelson said. “I would be most afraid to disappoint the people that I take care of.”

Nelson was active and enjoyed playing sports during her childhood. She said she excelled in volleyball, basketball and track and field, and her love for sports led her to pursue a career in athletics. She attended college and earned a degree in sports medicine, where she learned about the different aspects of athletic training and injury prevention.

“I played volleyball, basketball and played track,” Nelson said. “I was from a very small school, so I did it all. And in college I ran track.”

Nelson attended high school at Lenora High School where her love for sports grew as she participated in track and field. Then when she went to Dodge City Community College for two years, she contin- ued playing track but also added volleyball and basketball. After that, she transferred to Kansas State University where she got her bachelor's degree in sports medicine and a master degree in athletics.

After completing her degree, Nelson began working as the school’s athletic trainer. She worked closely with athletes, providing them with the necessary care and support to help them in their respective sports. She was also responsible for injury prevention and rehabilitation, which helped keep the athletes in top physical condition.

“I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be an athletic trainer,” Nelson said. “In high school I became really interested in what they do.”

Even though Nelson grew up with sports as her main hobby and is a full time athletic trainer, she still makes time for her two daughters, Aiden and Monroe. Taking the time out of her schedule of working with student athletes to care for her daughters is a dream come true for her.

“I think my most proudest accomplishment is raising my two girls,” Nelson said. “Seeing the people they become will be my greatest accomplishment.”

Throughout Nelson’s career, she has made an impact on the lives of athletes. She has helped them overcome injuries, reach their goals and achieve their dreams.

“I loved sports before college, and that was kind of the hobby and a big part of my life,” Nelson said. “Now I have my dream job and am working with kids and hanging out with my friends and family.”//

Written by Matt Cheney, Graphic by Joey Taylor, Photo by Landyn Goldberg