Sporty Saturday Spotlight presents Whitney Frankovic

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-one year old snowboarder Whitney Frankovic. Check out Whitney’s in-depth interview below where she dishes about how she overcomes frustration, traveling, makeup, and much, much more.

Name: Whitney Frankovic

Age: 21

Sport(s): Snowboarding

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

High School/Middle School/College: I went to middle school/high school in North Royalton, Ohio. I am currently a senior at the University of Utah.

What’s your fave sport?

Definitely snowboarding, but I love to watch baseball too. Go Tribe!

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I started snowboarding in ski club with my school in 7^th grade, so it’s been about 10 years.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

I love traveling, especially to new resorts, so I love getting the chance to explore a new mountain.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

Don’t worry about the other people that are out there, ride for yourself and do your own thing.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

Sometimes learning something new when it comes to snowboarding can get frustrating. It’s important to not get mad and loose confidence when you fall. You’ll never learn if you don’t take a few good crashes. It will be worth it when you get the trick down.

What have you learned about teamwork?

I think teamwork is great because everyone is there to support each other, push each other to excel and just be there to just have a good time with. It’s fun being around people who aren’t there to judge you, but there to give you confidence.

How do you balance school and sports?

In high school it was easy, because my home resort in Ohio didn’t even open until 3:00pm every day, so I would just head up after school. I didn’t really do much studying so there was never really a conflict with that. In college it’s a little harder. I try to schedule my classes as early as I can in the morning so I can head up to the resorts in the afternoon then study at night. Sometimes I’ll have to take a day or two off during the week to get some things done for school. I think it’s important to get school stuff out of the way, because then I’ll be worrying about it when I’m out riding.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

It’s really hard to just pick two, because there are so many great athletes out there, but I guess if I had to pick, it would be Marie-France Roy and Euro Ettela.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I really like makeup for some reason. I don’t even wear it all the time, but I have tons of it! Sometimes I get up a little early and put makeup on before heading up to the mountain (haha).

Thanks, Whitney! So many amazing life lessons you’ve shared! Great stuff and best of luck with your snowboarding career.

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 2-27-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on seventeen-year-old Weekly Short Track Racer, Amber Abram. Check out Amber’s fun interview below where she dishes about her favorite driver, pink trophies, and much, much more.

Name: Amber Abram

Age: 17

Sport(s): Weekly Short Track Racer

Hometown: Stafford,Virginia

High School/Middle School/College: North Stafford High

Number: 57

Position: Driver

What’s your fave sport? Racing

How many years have you been playing your fave sport? 3

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite moment would have to be my rookie year when I was presented a pink trophy for the first girl to complete the U-CAR series at Old Dominion Speedway. They made a big deal out of it by keeping it hidden all night and made a long speech but afterwards that was the talk of the banquet because the trophy was pink since my racecar is hot pink.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

Men don’t take women beating them very easily in this sport but whatever happens you have to get right back out there the next week and pretend like nothing ever happen.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

You have to put in a lot of time and effort and meet the right people to go to the top!

What have you learned about teamwork?

Well currently I am a one girl team but communication is a big thing when you’re on a two car team.

How do you balance school and sports?

Since my races are on the weekends it usually does not interfere but when a big project is due or something that I have to finish over the weekend I usually do what I can Friday night if I’m not practicing otherwise I just cram it all in Sunday after church.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

*First girl to complete the U-CAR series at Old Dominion Speedway
*Top ten in points rookie season

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

My favorite hometown athlete would be my brother Adam, he has been racing just one more year than I have but he is a great driver. He has over come many bumps along the way in his racing career yet still has many wins under his belt to prove he is a force to be reckoned with. My NASCAR fave would be Jeff Gordon, ever since I was a kid I have always loved Jeff’s paint schemes but other the years I have realized he is a very talented driver as well.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I think the girliest thing I like to do is be Miss Old Dominion Speedway. I am the official track trophy girl / promoter I guess you can say. I dress up in a really cute or fancy dress (depending on the occasion) and tell people about the track.

Thanks, Amber! Wow! Miss Old Dominion Speedway and the first girl to compete at the track – impressive and fun!

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight presents Katy Schlemmer

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on fifteen-year-old skateboarder, Katy Schlemmer. Check out Katy’s fun interview below where she dishes about support, her BFF’s, and much, much more.

Name: Katy Schlemmer

Age: 15

Sport(s): Skateboarding, Basketball

Hometown: Tustin, California

High School/Middle School/College: Foothill High School

What’s your fave sport?

My favorite sport would have to be skateboarding. I have so much fun skating and it really lets you express yourself in tricks and style.

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I think of been skating for about 3 or 4 years. But these last two years I’ve actually been practicing tricks and trying  to learn bigger things.

Where do you plan on being in five years?

In five years I hope to be a professional skateboarder and if not I plan on still skating and being a part of something in the skateboarding business.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from skateboarding is that no matter how good you may think you are, there is always someone out there better than you. It’s something that really makes me push myself to get better. I’ve also learned to try and get over the nerve of competing in competitions!

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

If you don’t practice you won’t get any better. You have to devote your time day after day and its a lot of work. Skateboarding is all trial and error, and it can be painful haha.

What have you learned about teamwork?

Well… skateboarding really isn’t a “team” sport. Haha.. It’s more individual and learning things on your own. But I guess it is always good to respect others at skateparks and be nice.

How do you balance school and sports?

It’s sooooo hard!!! Haha I have school and have to wake up early for 0 period and then right after school I always have basketball or conditioning and then maybe games after that! And then I have to come home and shower and do homework and by the time I finish that it’s already time for bed! But right now I’m actually out of basketball for awhile because I have to get another heart test just in case to make sure I don’t have cardiomyopathy. Luckily I can still skateboard! :D But usually I barely have time to skateboard during the week but this year I’m going to try harder to fit more skating into my schedule!

Who do you have supporting you in your sport?

Well my parents are a big help but so are some of the companies that have sponsored me. Thank you Monster Energy, Freestyle Watches, Division 26, Fringe Clothing, Maitri, Damzl, and a few others. You can check them out online or visit my profile on www.loopd.com <http://www.loopd.com>  to learn more about all of them!

Who do you look up to?

I look up to my parents and friends and especially my best friends Kelli, Autumn, Kourtnee, and Paulina. I don’t know what I’d do without them! They’re always here for me! :)

Favorite skateboarder?

Ryan Sheckler.. Yum. haha But Rodney Mullen is amazing.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

Well that’s an easy one.. Shopping with all my friends!!!

Thanks, Katy! Hope your heart is okay… Thanks for a fun interview. You’re right, a support system is so important. Best of luck with your career.

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Hugs,
Keri 

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 2-13-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on sixteen-year-old Kart Racer, Chrissy Cutright. Check out Chrissy’s interview below where she dishes about what gets her fired up, her favorite sporty memories, and much, much more.

Name: Chrissy Cutright

Age: 16

Sport(s): Karting 

Hometown: Buckhannon, West Virginia

High School/Middle School/College: United Technical Center

Number: 2

Position: Driver

What’s your fave sport?

Auto racing of any kind; everything about racing gets me fired up. I especially love dirt track racing because it takes a certain kind of driver to make a left turn turning right.

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I’ve been driving for almost 2 years now. I started in June of 2008.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

I have a few. One would be my first time on the track ever, it wasn’t very good but it was fun. I had butterflies before I went out, and my Crew Chief had accidentally left way too much air in my tires and I could hardly stay on the track. There are several more but their to long to list.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

Patience, Perseverance and Respect. I’ve always had those qualities but racing has defiantly defined there meaning to me and I believe made me a better person in all aspects of life.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

Always work hard and go for your goals; it will always be worth the effort.  I have to work hard every day to keep myself “race ready”.

What have you learned about teamwork?

Teamwork is the backbone of any sport, especially racing. Without my team I couldn’t go out there every weekend and compete, I love being a part of a team effort.

How do you balance school and sports?

It’s difficult but education is just as important to me as racing, and racing is very important to me. It’s very exhausting at times but I know it’s worth it. Good grades are important to me also, I just think about what kind of jobs I can get in the future and also how much schooling helps my racing career.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

Several 1^st place trophies, one Championship, over thirty feature wins, two 2nd Place points finishes, and a 2^nd place point’s championship trophy.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

Dale Earnhardt and Danica Patrick.

What are some of your interests?

Racing, Music, Fishing, Hunting, 4-wheeling, and hanging out with my friends.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I’m not sure, maybe talking on the phone for hours… that is something I definitely like to do and trying to fix my hair even though I never get it how I want it.

Thanks, Chrissy! Great answers. Loved – patience, perseverance, and respect – good stuff. Best of luck with your career.

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Hugs,
Keri :)

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 2-6-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-year-old triathlete, Michelle Warburton. Check out Michelle’s interview below where she dishes about teammates, shares how she gets the results she wants, and much, much more.

Name: Michelle Warburton

Age: 20

Sport(s): Triathlon, Surfing, Cross Country Running

Hometown: Wantagh, New York

High School/Middle School/College: San Diego State University 

What’s your fave sport? Currently triathlon and surfing

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

About three, but I’ve been running and doing endurance sports for about six years.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

Finishing rookie training for ocean life guarding on Long Island.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

Patience and determination always pays off.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

A lot!  With endurance sports, the correlation between the work you put in and the results you get out is very strong!  So, in a nutshell, work hard, play hard!

What have you learned about teamwork?

Your teammates become your best friends and support system.  They become a family and when you’re away from home, this is crucial to doing well in a sport and living a happy, balanced life.

How do you balance school and sports?

It’s tough, but I plan ahead and schedule my time.  I’m also not as hard on myself as I was in high school, One bad grade isn’t that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things! 

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

MVP high school cross country, Gatorade Will to Win Award, LA Triathlon first age group, 5th place WSA Women’s Long Board Division. 

Who’s your fave athlete?

Right now Hannah Cornett.  She’s a pro surfer, triathlete and does a lot of volunteer work. I’d definitely like to follow in her footsteps.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

Hmmm this is a pretty tough one. I’d say paint my nails and use body lotion?  I have to find some more fun girly habits!

Thanks, Michelle! Loved your answers, especially the last one. :)  Best of luck with your amazing career.

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day with a free book!

To celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, young adult author Keri Mikulski is offering a free download of her 2009 Cybil Award nominated novel Change Up (sequel to Screwball) here. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to check out sporty lit and find out why Teen Book Reviewer, Marjolein said ‘this is THE book pick of the summer’.

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 1-30-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on seventeen-year-old off road dirt bike racer, Emily ‘Em’ Winters. Check out Emily’s interview below where she shares what it’s like to beat the boys, her nicknames, a secret wish, and much, much more.

Name: Emily  “Em” Winters

Age: 17

Sport(s): Off-Road dirt bike racing

Hometown: Bend, Oregon

High School: Crook County High School

Number: 16B

What’s your fave sport?

My favorite sport is Off-Road dirt bike racing. I race Grand-Prix(GP) and Cross-Country(XC). GP is on a track, not as technical or difficult as XC and has a higher speed average. XC is more of trail racing, not on a track, and it is much more technical and difficult than GP’s.

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I have been riding by myself for 10 years. But I have been racing for nearly two years.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite racing moment was when I won my first race in the 200B class. Which is a class full of men/boys, I am the only girl. So I was very proud of myself for that accomplishment.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

I have learned to be humble and not be a boaster and not brag. I let my riding show my skill and determination. If I were to brag about how well I thought I was, then I  wasn’t able to prove it, people would think I was a liar.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

The biggest thing I have learned is that it takes A LOT of determination and dedication to stick with racing. If I were to walk away, then I would be quitting. And quitters never win.

What have you learned about teamwork?

Teamwork is the key point to racing. If everyone does their job, then the whole team gets credit for a win. Teamwork helps make everyone’s work easy.

How do you balance school and sports?

I consider myself a student athlete. School is very important. I try to pay attention in school so that I don’t have to work as hard when I’m not in school, which leaves more time for racing and training.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

I am the 2008 OMRA Women’s Cross-Country Champion.

Soon to be 2009 OMRA 200B Cross-Country Champ

and 2009 OMRA 200B Grand-Prix Champ!

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

Shane Watts and Ashley Fiolek are my two favorite athletes. I have met them both and they are both extremely nice and are exceptional at racing and riding. I admire both of them.

Do you have any nicknames? If so, what are they?

Well, I have a couple. Em is one of my nicknames because it’s my name shortened. Also, I have been ‘named’ Killer and Lil Miss Holeshot (LMHS). Killer is because at a couple races I ‘killed’ the competition, and LMHS because I usually get the holeshot!

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I LOVE shopping, dancing and hanging out with my girls! Even though I seem like a tomboy, I love getting my hair and makeup done. I love shopping for dresses and trying them on.  Sometimes I wish I was a model.

Thanks, Emily! Very impressive awards and I love your nicknames. Best of luck with your amazing career.

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 6-23-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-two year old kayaker and skydiver, Samantha Brunner. Check out Samantha’s interview below where she shares what it’s like to compete in kayaking, how she balances school and sports, and much, much more.

Name: Samantha Brunner 

Age: 22

Sport(s): Pro whitewater kayaker, but I also skydive and like most outdoor sports

Hometown: Memphis, TN

High School/Middle School/College: I am currently a student on full scholarship at the University of Memphis. I graduate in May with a bachelors in Exercise Sport Science, then its off to Physical Therapy school

How many years have you been kayaking? I have been paddling for about 6 years.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

The first time I ran a creek that I had to fully memorize. The small creek was so consistent that I had to remember all of the lines because there was no time to stop in between rapids. This made me learn to trust and rely on myself.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

To trust myself. Kayaking, for me, is all about pushing your physical and mental limits and learning to trust yourself. Only you can truly know what you are capable of, nobody else can tell you that. Kayaking is a way in which I learn what I am capable of; it helps me become a more independent person and puts a lot of life’s experiences into perspective.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

Always be a team player. Getting down the river is a group effort. Your friends depend on you to know your skills as much as you depend on them to know theirs. Also, to always be respectful and truthful. Also, kayaking is a pretty poor sport, so you have to learn how to work to make the bigger trips worthwhile and how to do them within a budget. With that being said, I have learned to be able to put a lot of work and preparation into my trips to make them work and be beneficial for both my sponsors and myself.

What have you learned about teamwork?

It is the only way to be successful, you can’t do everything all by yourself. Everyone has something to bring to the table and is better at something than you are. It teaches you when to lead and when to listen.

How do you balance school and sports?

Haha, that’s the hard one. I know that school is more important and I have the rest of my life to kayak. Being in Memphis makes me a weekend warrior when it comes to kayaking. I plan my major trips around my breaks in school.

List the sponsors that you currently have:

Pretty Tough, Jackson Kayaks, Stohlquist Waterware, Keen Footwear, Kavu Clothing, SnapDragon Sprayskirts, Gaia Paddlesports, Grateful Heads Helmets, Freestyle Watches, H2O Audio, Zeal Optics, Colorado Kayak Supply

How do you plan to use your sport to influence others?

When I get out of Physical Therapy school I plan to start a non-profit, whitewater kayaking camp to fight childhood obesity and eating disorders. I find that kayaking is not only enjoyable; it can be a great motivator to get into shape. I want to show how fun kayaking can be and I think that when one is having fun it is easier to be motivated to stay active.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

Haha, I think it would be to dress up. So much of what I do requires pants and flats or sneakers (not that I’m complaining) so when I have a chance to have a date night with my boyfriend, which comes once every few months haha, I like to dress up. I’m usually “one of the guys” so this helps remind me that I’m not always. Also, I kayak in waterproof mascara which makes me pretty girlie ;)

Thanks, Samantha! Best of luck with your amazing career.

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 1-16-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on fourteen-year-old BMX racer and road cycling mountain biker, Mary Mae Duarte. Check out Mary’s interview below where she shares her fave BMX moment, how she balances school and sports, and much, much more.

Name: Mary Mae Duarte

Age: 14

Sport(s): bmx racing and freestyle road cycling mountain biking

Hometown: Riverside, California

High School: Citrus Valley High School

What’s your fave sport? bmx racing

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite moment while racing bmx was when I finally jumped for my first time.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

Never give up! And once that gate goes down keep it pedaling!

What have you learned about teamwork?

When you’re all together we all equal as one person. Nothing will be able to happen if one person doesn’t get along with someone else.

How do you balance school and sports?

My dad makes me finish all my homework before I can go anywhere or do anything!

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

My favorite male would have to be Brian Deegan and my favorite female is Danica Patrick! (:

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature

question)

HA OMG! The girliest “things” I LOVE to do are get my nails done, go shopping, make sure my makeup is perfect! haha (:

Thanks, Mary! I agree. Danica Patrick is amazing. Best of luck with your sports career.

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 1-09-10

Not sure what you want to do after you hang up your cleats, board, glove, shin guards, sneaks, or stick? This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on Trish Bare Grounds, an athletic trainer from Bare Essential Sports Medicine. Check out Trish’s insightful interview below where she shares her amazing career and fave sporty moments.

Name: Trish Bare Grounds

Age: 44

Sport(s): Dance, Equestrian, Track, Cheerleading, Soccer, Marital Arts — Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) for just about every sport there is at some point during my career but I focus now mainly on action/extreme sports, martial arts, cheer & dance

Hometown: (Just since January) Rebersburg, PA

High School/Middle School/College: Linton Stockton High School, Linton, IN; BA from DePauw University, MS from University of Miami; Yet to finish 2nd MS & PhD at University of Florida

Number: 10

Position: Nowadays Certified Athletic Trainer & Owner of Bare Essentials Sports Medicine Co LLC

What’s your fave sport?

Everything!  My favorite sports to cover as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) for the past decade and more have been BMX (freestyle & Racing), Skateboard, Motocross (FMX & Racing), Snowboard, Skiing (Freestyle), Taekwondo, MMA, & Cheerleading …you know very similar sports!  I tend to drift towards the non-traditional sports with more adrenaline these days although I have worked and loved everything from football, basketball, baseball, soccer,  & track among many other of the more traditional sports.

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I have been an ATC for over 20 years and see no signs of slowing down yet; in fact I thinking I am working more now than I did even 10 years ago.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite moments come after I have helped an athlete return from an injury, especially injuries that could have been detrimental to their sporting careers (or that thought were career ending), climb up on the podium.  Just seeing them reach their dreams are the best moments of all, and I have many from pee wees to high school, to college to Olympic to Pro, and they all mean a lot to me! It is especially cool when that athlete steps down off of the podium and hands me their flowers in thanks for helping them get there, or after their sporting career they return to school to become an ATC themselves!

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

Patience and persistence no matter how frustrating things gets…and always look ahead with a glass half-full mentality no matter what!

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

Same…patience & persistence win the game even when people try to knock you out, and always have a glass half-full…and always, always, always respect everyone no matter who they are.

What have you learned about teamwork?

Teamwork is amazing!  Things get done so much better and quicker when you work together and let others help you…everyone can contribute to make it all happen.  When someone thinks they are all that is needed that is when things go terribly wrong.

How do you balance school and sports?

For me it is balancing motherhood and sport coverage, and as a single mom that can be rough, but my daughter travels with me to whatever sporting event I am working and she gets to meet some really incredible people…some day I will tell her how famous the athletes she hangs out with were!  I have to keep things in perspective, family is always first for me, although I have many sons and daughters out there, just come to an event and you will hear them scream MOM!!  Love it!  But I have learned over the years that I have to make time for me as well as for family, friends and my athletes, otherwise I go crazy.  Since I love my work this is very often a hard concept for me to remember.  School, research, and writing take a back seat but somehow seem to get done.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

NATA Service Award given to a select few ATC’s each year who have volunteered and given back to sport and community over a period of 15 years or more; NCA Trainer of the year for the past 12 years; I have been priviledged to have worked some really cool events from World Cups, to World Championships to Olympics, to Dew Tour & Winter Dew, to local and state events in just about every sport, but the greatest award/reward I have received are the thank-you’s I get from my highly appreciative athletes every day.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

Hmmm, rough question there are so many!  I think Donna Vano (snow & skate) would have to be one of my all-time favorite females, but so is Diana Lopez  & Kay Poe (TKD) and so many more that I have worked with over the years…as for the guys wow I work with so many incredible people who are also amazing athletes, including Daniel Dhers, Chad Kagy, James Foster, Drew Bezanson, Brandon Dosch, Anthony Napolitan (BMX), Austen Seaholm, Ryan Sheckler, Christian Sereika (SKB), Steven Lopez, Jason Neville, Josh Coleman (TKD)…..I could go on for days!

Tell us about your profession.

Athletic Training for me is a way to still be a part of sports I love, especially action & extreme sports, where what I do can mean the difference between being able to compete or not.  I can honestly say I love what I do.  I get to go to work everyday and simply watch some tremendously talented athletes play the sports they love, and in the process meet some pretty awesome individuals.   I give them the added support for development and care of their mind and body that often helps them reach their highest dreams

Why did you choose this profession?

I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, originally thought I wanted to be a surgeon but also wanted to be there when the injury happened all the way until the athlete returned to full participation in the sport they loved, so it had to be Sports Medicine, and I kind of fell into Athletic Training as a means to be there, and not just the office, but actually working on-stie with athletes.  When I first joined this profession I was told girls would never do well and to make sure I had a “back-up” profession, which only made me want to prove them wrong, so I set on a path to work to the highest level of sport and hopefully make a difference in athlete’s lives, as well as hopefully open the door for other girls who wanted to do the same. If it were up to me I would work for free for all the sports and athletes who appreciate the care I provide if only I had no bills or at least more sponsors that reduced that burden since so many athletes I work with do not have health insurance, so they often go without care unless it is free.

What kind of schooling did you have to complete?

You only have to have a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine but I went onto get my Master’s and trying to finish up a PhD so that there are never any excuses from my education not being high enough to be hired.  When I sat for my Board Exams you also had to have completed 1800 hours of practical work with athletes, after working with over 50,000 athletes during my career I have lost track of how many hours I have put in to this point!

What’s your day like?

Depending on if I am at an event or just checking on the athletes while they are training, I have to be prepared to handle any kind of injury that can happen at anytime, and of course I tend to work those sports which have a greater chance of serious injury even in training.  Event coverage usually is anywhere from 10-14 hours/day, while training is generally less than 6 hours of work. I also have to spend time on the computer and phone trying to get events to work, staff to cover the events, supplies for the events, and sponsors and/or donations to cover the cost of traveling to and covering events as most of the sports I cover have little to know budget for medical care among athletes who probably need it the most.  I work anything from charity events to help support a local skatepark all the way up to highly televised events, and love caring for all the athletes no matter what age or ability level, they all have their own place in the sporting world.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I loooooove pedicures!  And since I wear flip-flops or sandals anytime I am not working the toes have to look good!

Thanks, Trish!!

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Next Page »