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In-Depth Look: Athletic Trainer who is Athletic Training Supervisor and Assistant Athletic Director for a Secondary School in Hawai’i

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Zeny Galo Eakins, ATC, CAA is the Athletic Training Supervisor and Assistant Athletic Director at Kamehameha Schools in Hawai’i.

Describe your setting:

I practice alongside 2 other full time Athletic Trainers (ATs) and oversee our athletic training program. Our coverage priority goes to our high school athletic programs but we also work with our middle and elementary school sports.

How long have you been practicing as an AT?

I have been a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer since 1997 and was fortunate to find a position at a high school that same year.

Describe your typical day:

My daily responsibilities are similar each day. As with most high schools, we review the daily and weekly schedule, set-up and prepare for practices and evaluate and treat athletes as needed. We usually have the time to visit practices and games at various venues on campus.

One thing that stands out for me at Kamehameha Schools is the constant communication between the athletic training department and various other departments. We communicate with high school administration, security, athletic utilities personnel and custodial/grounds crew. It is the responsibility ofthe entire school community to make sure all students are safe as well as to make sure all facilities are safe and in working order.

What do you like about your position?

I absolutely love that every day, week and year is different. Since I work at a school, the student body also changes every year. New challenges always keep me on my toes and keep everyone from getting complacent.

What advice do you have about your practice setting for a young AT looking at this setting?

I would advise young ATs to learn how to work with different types of personalities and temperaments. That sort of adaptability is always a work in progress but will really help when practicing in the athletic training profession. In addition, learn how to show empathy to young students and know there is always a time to be firm. Don’t be afraid to educate those new to athletic training, like parents of younger students and those who have a harder time adjusting to change. Learn the art of compromise but always stand secure and do what is ethically right. Never stop learning how to work with people and help to highlight their strengths.

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