Behind the bench: Student trainers play a vital role in Cherokee High School athletics year-round
CANTON, Ga. — The stands are packed. The band is playing. Players run through warmups as anticipation builds for kickoff under the Friday night lights.
While fans focus on the action unfolding on the field, another team is already at work. Just beyond the sidelines, athletic trainers move between athletes, checking injuries, wrapping ankles, preparing equipment, and making sure every player is physically ready to compete. Their names are rarely announced, and they never appear in the score box, yet they play one of the most important roles in high school athletics.
For Cherokee’s sports medicine staff, game day begins long before the first whistle. Once the final school bell rings, trainers head to the field house before joining the football team for the pregame meal. Once the meal concludes, they begin preparing for the game by setting up medical equipment, filling water, organizing supplies, and taping athletes before warmups.
鈥淎fter school, we prepare all of our medical equipment, tape the players, and help during warmups,” junior student athletic trainer Sydney Taylor said. “During the game, we’re always on the sidelines ready to respond if an athlete gets injured. Afterward, we pack everything up and check on the players before heading home.”
The commitment doesn’t end when football season does.
Unlike many extracurricular activities, sports medicine is a year-round program that supports nearly every athletic team on campus. As each season changes, student athletic trainers shift their focus to different sports, attending games, practices, and rehabilitation sessions to continue caring for Cherokee athletes.
“A typical sports season in the sports medicine program lasts all year,” student athletic trainer Abigail Prisco said. “At the beginning of the school year, we’re focused on football because it’s our biggest sport, so we attend practices and Friday night games. As the seasons change, we work with other sports by attending their games and shadowing rehabilitation sessions. Seeing athletes recover from their injuries from start to finish gives you a behind-the-scenes look at everything, and it’s an amazing experience.”
Working with multiple sports allows student trainers to gain hands-on experience with a wide range of injuries while learning the dedication and patience required throughout an athlete’s recovery. Rather than only witnessing the excitement of competition, they also see the determination and resilience it takes for athletes to return to the field, court, or track.
Although many fans only notice athletic trainers when an injury occurs, much of their work happens behind the scenes. From preparing emergency equipment to monitoring athletes throughout competition, trainers are constantly working to keep players healthy and safe.
Beyond the medical responsibilities, the sports medicine program has also created a close-knit community among its members.
“What stands out most is how supportive and hardworking everyone is,” student athletic trainer Ava Newman said. “Everyone works well together, and there are a lot of opportunities to learn real skills and gain hands-on experience.”
For many trainers, the experience is about more than learning medical skills鈥攊t’s about becoming part of something bigger than themselves.
“My favorite memory is getting to be on the sidelines during games and helping athletes when they need it,” Ava said. “It’s really fun being part of the team and seeing everyone work together throughout the season.”
While players may receive the recognition after a big win, Cherokee’s athletic trainers are working behind the scenes every step of the way. Their preparation, teamwork, and dedication help ensure athletes can safely compete, making them an essential part of every game鈥攅ven if they’re rarely in the spotlight.
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