Her Story
About Helaine
Helaine Larina has been an athletic trainer for more than 35 years, specializing in the care and prevention of athletic injuries, concussion protocols, and rehabilitation. She earned an associate's degree in therapeutic recreation therapy before transferring to Brooklyn College and later obtaining a master's degree in sports medicine from Long Island University. As a certified and licensed athletic trainer in New York State and a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, she has worked extensively in high school settings, managing physicals, pre-game taping, emergency equipment, and athlete rehabilitation. Helaine attributes her success to her passion for helping people and has received trophies from coaches for going above and beyond. She has volunteered athletic training services for organizations lacking funds and supported golf outings benefiting breast cancer research and landmine removal in Bosnia. She values honesty and building strong relationships with athletes, advising others in the field to prioritize work-life balance and personal health.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Helaine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to loving what I do and really enjoying helping people. Seeing the athletes when they're cleared to come back and they come over and hug you and thank you is wonderful. One athlete I taped to keep his shoulder in place still uses that technique and is thankful.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I got the best advice from myself after a long time: put your own health and yourself before work. I always tell younger athletic trainers to make sure they put their own health first and balance their work life. The book title I'd Love To, but I Have a Game captures how hard it is to miss family events for work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I honestly counsel people not to be athletic trainers at times because it's very difficult to have a work-life balance since your schedule is not your own. You might have a Friday night game at 7 and then a 9 or 10 o'clock game the next morning. It's hard especially if you're the only person at the school. Schools need to realize it's hard to work on 3 hours of sleep.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include being a woman in athletic training. When I first went into it 35 plus years ago you really didn't see women in the professional ranks and still got the attitude that you're looking for a professional athlete husband. The attitude has changed a bit but there are still definite problems. I work in an all-boys school and am impressed by how the boys treat me.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being true and truthful, honesty is super important. Showing the athletes how much you care about them makes them want to come back and do their rehab. Keeping them engaged by changing up their rehab so they don't get bored is key. Having a wonderful team around me makes it even better.
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