March is National Athletic Training Month (NATM), and we at MSU Denver wanted to spotlight our four amazing athletic trainers! We asked each of our trainers a series of questions varying from highlights of their job to their favorite places they were able to travel to. The final trainer we will be spotlighting is Rachel Maksimowicz.

Question: Why did you get into the profession?
 
A: I got into the profession because I grew up playing sports and knew I wanted to work in the medical field.  I knew as early as 8^th grade that I wanted to become an Athletic Trainer when I watched sports and saw the Athletic Trainers run onto the field to help injured athletes.  
 
Question: What is your favorite part of the job?
 
A: My favorite part of the job is the relationships I get to build with athletes.  Not only is it more fun, getting to know them on a personal level makes it that much more rewarding to see them play after returning from an injury. 
 
Question:  What has been your favorite place the job has taken you?
 
A: Canada.  It was fun to get to go to another country for a few games.
 
Question: What is your favorite part about working at MSU Denver?
 
A: My coworkers, the other ATs- Roberto, Chelsea and Heather. 
 
Question: Obviously, travel is a part of the job... what is your go-to travel activity when traveling with the team?
 
A: I always make sure to have shows downloaded on my iPad.  I also am usually in charge of providing the DVDs to watch on the bus for women's soccer trips since I am the only one that still owns any.
 
Question: You obviously have worked across a vast number of sports since starting your career... is there a difference in how you approach the job depending on which sport you're working with? 
 
A: The knowledge of the body and injuries is generally the same for each sport, but it is important to understand the sport and the demands each one has on the body - each sport has more common injuries compared to other sports. Understanding each sport also helps in knowing how to return an athlete back from an injury, for example knowing which drills are safe and how to increase load in a way that makes sense for the sport.
 
Question: You clearly have had experience working with hundreds of athletes at one time... is that something you prefer, or do you like working with a smaller number of athletes and why?
 
A: I much prefer working with a smaller number of athletes.  I am able to devote more time and attention to each athlete, which improves their care and the relationship I have with them.
 
Thank you to our athletic trainers for all you do for our athletes!