Her Story
About Kaela
I am currently a high school athletic trainer in my fifth year in this position. My journey to this role came from working in both collegiate and professional sports, including minor league baseball. While I've had the opportunity to work with athletes who went on to the NFL, USA cheerleading, and USA Special Olympics sitting volleyball, I realized that by the time athletes reach the professional and college level, their injuries are often chronic and require maintenance rather than true healing. I wanted to make a real difference by working with younger athletes, teaching them proper techniques and preventative care before they develop career-ending injuries. My typical day involves running or helping run a psychiatric clinic in the mornings, then covering practices, conducting rehabs and preventative care sessions, and providing emergency care at games once school lets out around 2:30. One of my proudest achievements was working with the Georgia Southern all-girls cheerleading team during their freshman and sophomore years. The work we did together on injury prevention and rehabilitation helped them win a national championship in 2026. I am currently pursuing my doctorate in integrative health, focusing on holistic alternatives including movement, mind, body, and wellness approaches to athletic training.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kaela
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was to stand up for what I believe in. Being a female in a male-dominated field, sometimes my word is overlooked or just brushed aside. Having the ability to stand up and mean what I say is probably the most beneficial thing I've ever learned. It's taught me to have confidence in myself and my professional judgment, even when others might dismiss my expertise.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to learn as much as you can about everything. In this field, we have our hands in a whole lot of pies, and as much as you can learn about any and everything would be beneficial. You need to be well-rounded and knowledgeable across many areas because athletic training touches so many different aspects of health and wellness.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I really value honesty, especially in this field. Sometimes you don't want to sugarcoat things, but you just have to be truly honest with people. I also value having good intentions. Sometimes you have to give bad news, but you can do it in a well-meaning way. It's about being truthful while still showing care and compassion for the people you're working with.
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