March is National Athletic Trainers Month and the area has several athletic trainers that dedicate countless hours to serving our local athletes. This is the first story in a series highlighting their efforts.
Teresa Jenkins
Hometown: Owensboro, Kentucky
College/Education: BS at University of Louisville, MS Capella University
High school/college/team you work with: (Currently): Apollo High School, Owensboro Thoroughbreds, Owensboro Rampage, Owensboro RiverDawgs, Owensboro Dance Theatre. (Former): Glen Este High School (Cincinnati), Moeller High School (Cincinnati), Madeira High School (Cincinnati), North College Hill High School (Cincinnati), Cincinnati Cyclones, Hopkinsville High School, Todd County Central High School, Woodrow Wilson High School (Portsmouth, Va.), PIT Tournament (Portsmouth, Va.), Indian Rock Christian School (Largo, Fla.), Bishop McLaughlin High School (Spring Hill, Fla.), Kentucky Wesleyan College, Daviess County High School, Bluegrass Games.
How long have you been an athletic trainer?
28 years.
How long have you been in the Owensboro area and why did you decide to come here?
I moved back to Owensboro in 2008, I grew up here and thought this would be great place to raise my family.
Why did you pursue athletic training as a career?
I was a dancer and a gymnast at Joy Johnson’s. I saw Dr. James Carothers pretty often and it was from his suggestion that I decided to become an athletic trainer.
What do you enjoy most about being an athletic trainer?
The best part is the athletes. Helping them to continue to do what they love. Having an injury can be devastating for an athlete and I know how hard it can be as a former athlete myself. We are there for the athlete every step of the way.
What is something most people don’t understand about your profession?
Most people have no idea what an athletic trainer is or what we do. We are more than just the person that runs out on the field when you get hurt. For the role of an athletic trainer consist of seven task: prevention of injury, injury evaluation, first aid, rehabilitation, organization and administration, counseling and guidance, and education.
What is your advice for athletes when they are injured or have questions?
I try to explain injuries to my athletes in a way they can understand and answer to the best of my ability any questions they may have.
