JACKSON, Miss. - March is National Athletic Training Month, so each week in March we are going to highlight one of our Athletic Trainers on staff. This week we highlight Katie Kyzar, the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Belhaven.
 
Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who work under the direction of a physician in accordance with their education and training and the state's statutes, rules, and regulations. As a part of the health care team, Athletic Trainers provide services that include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
 
Katie is in her first year at Belhaven and provides coverage for cross country, track & field, soccer, and softball.  Here are five quick facts about Katie.
 
1.      Why did you get into Athletic Training?
 
I grew up with sports being a big part of my life- my dad has coached football my entire life and my brother and I both played sports growing up! I knew that I wanted to be able to stay involved in sports and the medical field had always been a calling! Athletic Training allows me to have the best of both worlds!
 
2.      What do you love most about Athletic Training?
 
What I love most about Athletic Training is being there for the athlete from the point of injury, getting them through rehab, and then watching them successfully compete again in the sport they love to play! Thankful that I get to play a small part in their successes!
 
3.      What do you wish people knew about Athletic Training?
 
I wish people knew about the day to day care we provide for athletes. We're so much more than people handing out water on the sideline and running onto the field for injuries, although that is part of it. But we are also healthcare providers that provide prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries for athletes.
 
4.      If you weren't an Athletic Trainer, what would you be doing?
 
I would probably still be in the healthcare world as a physical therapist!
 
5.      What is your favorite sports quote?
 
"Attitude is a choice. Think positive thoughts daily. Believe in yourself." - Pat Summit
 
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