By Paige Bortner

At Hastings, the trainers don’t just treat injuries—they keep the entire athletic program running. Without our trainers, athletics wouldn’t be where they are today. Our trainers are there to help prevent injuries, help recover, and get back to competition. Their efforts often go unrecognized. Here is a shout-out/explanation about what our trainers do by talking with head trainer, Allison Beckstrom, and Assistant Athletic Trainer, Gabby Loya. While there are more trainers and helpers than just these two, here is a small bit of how they explain being an athletic trainer. 

Head trainer Allison Beckstrom explained a typical day, she says, is “busy… kind of all over the place.” Mornings start slowly with paperwork and preparing for appointments, but once athletes start rolling in, the pace picks up. “We get the post-practice rush where it’s maybe some more treatments or ice bags…It’ss really busy.” Her schedule changes with the seasons. Winter sees a higher volume of athletes, while fall and spring days often stretch from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. On particularly hectic days, Beckstrom might see 17 or 18 scheduled appointments and several walk-ins, balancing treatments with constant communication with coaches. “Each day kind of varies… there’s a little bit of downtime, a little bit of busy, and then that late evening rush,” she explains. But Beckstrom’s job goes far beyond visible treatments. “The general perception of athletic training is it’s just practice coverage and treatments, but there’s so much behind-the-scenes stuff,” she says. From handling insurance claims and coordinating appointments with orthopedists and physical therapists to tracking detailed injury documentation and even communicating with professors about academic accommodations, Beckstrom keeps every piece moving. Game days follow a different rhythm: early pregame treatments, field setup, ice bag rotations, and post-game cleanup. Still, the most rewarding part, she says, is watching athletes recover. “The best part is taking your athlete who gets injured and walking them all the way through that process… and then watching them step back out onto the field, and be successful again, is hugely rewarding.” Originally interested in physical therapy, Beckstrom found her calling in athletic training through hands-on experience and a love for working with athletes. Her days may be long and unpredictable, but her impact is clear—quietly ensuring every player is ready, healthy, and able to give their best.

When talking with trainer Gabby Loya, when asked about her day-to-day responsibilities, she explained that “every day is different,” which is one of the things she enjoys most about being an athletic trainer. She shared that some mornings begin early with injury evaluations and taping, while other days are filled with rehabilitation sessions and ongoing conversations with athletes about how their bodies are feeling. No matter the schedule, she emphasized that “the goal is always to make sure athletes are safe, prepared, and confident.” She also addressed common misconceptions about her profession, noting that “many people only see us during games when an injury happens,” even though much of the work takes place behind the scenes. Loya explained that athletic trainers place a strong emphasis on injury prevention, recovery, and education, adding that “if we’re doing our job well, injuries are reduced,” and that work often goes unnoticed. When discussing how she supports athletes beyond physical injuries, she highlighted the mental aspect of her role, stating that “athletic training is not just physical, it’s mental too.” Loya also explained that athletes frequently deal with frustration, pressure, and fear of reinjury, and that “being someone they trust makes a huge difference.” Despite the long hours and demanding nature of the job, she said the most rewarding part is “seeing an athlete return safely to play and regain confidence.” Loya concluded by emphasizing the importance of recognizing athletic trainers, explaining that “we are advocates for athlete health and safety” and that their impact reaches far beyond the field.