-: The biggest thing is getting the correct major.
A lot of folks struggle a little bit at first trying
to figure out which part of athletics they want to be in.
If you want to be in my part of it, which is sports medicine
here at Virginia Tech you go the HNFE science option
which would prepare you to go on and get your Master's
in athletic training or sports medicine.
And just take advantage of what all
a college campus offers you.
Not just your major, but your friends,
your experiences, take some classes outside of your major.
Volunteer and serve.
You've gotta volunteer and serve,
the first day you go out there
you're not gonna be tapin' ankles
and evaluating ACL injuries.
You're gonna be packin' ice and fillin' coolers,
and pickin' up after taping and that type of thing.
But you gotta sit around, you gotta watch interactions.
I think we sometimes underestimate the interaction
with the players, the interactions with the coach.
You can be the smartest trainer ever,
but if you're not willing to serve, and kinda fall
in line with the team goals, it's gonna be tough on you.
So take advantage of those volunteer experiences,
and hook up with a good mentor and you'll have a good start.
The best way to get involved
in any athletic training situation,
is just to write that person, to call that person,
ask 'em if there's any opportunities.
And if they say there's not, ask 'em
if they project any opportunities comin' up.
Don't just take no for an answer.
Check back with them at the end of the semester,
beginning of next semester and see if there's any positions.
That due diligence sometimes shows that you care
and might be just what it takes to get you that position.
Also don't think it has to be big time Virginia Tech
or Division one sports, or NFL.
It can be at your local high school, your local rec center.
But find a place you can make a difference.
The biggest thing for me believe it or not, is references.
If I see certain references that I know
is from a reputable institution, and I know that person
and I know they're putting out good people all the time,
that's a no brainer, that person to me,
if that person is on their reference list,
I know this person's good, and they can work for me.
I look at things through a different lens sometimes.
I want somebody that's enthusiastic,
I think if you're enthusiastic that shows
that you love it and you care about it
I want 'em to have compassion, I want 'em to work hard,
I want 'em to be consistent.
And I want them to have a little personality to 'em,
I want 'em to have a little confidence about them
that they come up every day and say 'Hi'
and 'How ya doin' and just discuss with you
those types of experiences.
If I can get that person, to me that is a no brainer.
I would hire 'em, I'd recommend to hire 'em,
and they'll be successful in whatever field they choose.