A soccer player sits in the middle of the field, clutching their ankle, their faced scrunched up in agony. They don’t know what’s wrong with their ankle, but they’re certain it’s injured.  There’s no need to worry though, help is on its way. Student trainers are available to help treat injuries and assist in the recovery process.

Athletics Trainer Clint McAlister helps guide student trainers through some of their many duties.

“They just shadow me and learn evaluation techniques, therapy exercises, rehab exercises, some taping techniques, some preventative exercises and they help with practice and event coverage doing first aid and emergency care.” McAlister said.

While there is a lot student trainers have to learn, the road to becoming a student is quick with a bit of communication.

“There’s no prerequisite for it, they do receive a letter or certificate for participation, but we do have a manual that we read through and we have to agree to all the requirements and procedures.” McAlister said

The amount of students requiring aid varies depending on the season, according to experienced student trainer junior Maddie Valencia.

“We see a lot [of students], it just depends on the week and the season. During the fall season since we have football and that’s more of a contact sport, we have more people come in,” Valencia said, “During the winter it’s usually not that bad since we don’t have a lot of contact heavy sports.”

With Mill Valley’s busy, sports-packed schedule, student trainers have to spend a lot of time working at the school.

“I’m here every day. I practically live here,” Valencia said, “On a normal practice night I leave around 6, and on a game night I leave around 9:30.”

Valencia doesn’t have much issue staying late, though. Passing time with the other student trainers is hardly a chore.

“It’s an extremely tight bond. There’s four of us, and we’re all together all the time,” Valencia said, “Thankfully we don’t get annoyed with each other that much, but it’s like we’re a group of sisters.”

While there aren’t any student trainer positions open, sophomore Katie Turner offers a different route.

“If they’re interested in that stuff they should definitely look into other opportunities,” Turner said.