Beyond the Game: How UP Health System – Portage Athletic Trainers Ensure Student Safety and Success in School Sports
October 25, 2024
In every sport, a lot of unseen preparation happens before game day. Between intensive practices and physical conditioning and the coordination of efforts from staff, coaches and parents, there are a lot of moving parts that come together to make it happen.
There are many benefits to participating in school sports—regular exercise, discipline, teamwork, camaraderie—but above all else is the health and safety of athletes on the field, court or rink. And even with the best preparation, there’s always a risk of injury.
That’s where our team of athletic trainers at UP Health System – Portage (UPHS – Portage) come in, helping to provide the best chance at success for students and their respective sports programs. Our team works closely with coaches and athletes in local high schools, sports clubs and at the collegiate level with Michigan Technological University, to help ensure they stay safe and, if possible, in the game.
These services are provided collaboratively by UPHS – Portage and Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center (UGL)—led by Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Physician Michael Carter, MD, and Family Medicine Physician Zach DeYoung, MD—with the goal of creating a safe and effective athletic environment where athletes can thrive both physically and mentally.
“We’re proud of our team and this essential service they provide our community,” said Dr. Carter. “Athletic trainers are the unsung heroes of high school and collegiate sports—their expertise not only enhances athlete performance but also ensures safety and fosters a culture of health and resilience. They play a pivotal role, bridging the gap between medicine and athletics."
Athletic trainers are highly skilled healthcare professionals who work to address issues such as emergency and preventative care, environmental conditions, and facility and equipment safety. They provide free injury screens—like for concussions—for all types of athletes and are specialists in “on-the-field” acute care. They will ensure that the proper follow-up care is provided quickly and safely, and in many cases, also take part in an injured athlete’s rehabilitation by working with our therapy team, providing necessary protection when they’re back in the game.
Whether she’s assessing injuries on the sidelines or tucked into a small examination room near the gym taping limbs, it’s clear that UPHS – Portage Athletic Trainer Maria Normand is passionate about her role.
She serves varsity student-athletes at several of the area’s local high schools—Chassell, Dollar Bay, Hancock, Houghton and Jeffers—providing injury prevention education and when injuries do happen, professional evaluation and treatment. As a multi-sport athlete during her high school years, Maria experienced firsthand the physical and emotional challenges athletes face.
“What makes me passionate about this job is I love making connections with people. I also love sports and I want to go the extra mile to help those who need it,” she said.
A typical day for Maria involves a mix of prevention, treatment and education. She reviews the needs of each athlete referred to her, conducts injury and risk assessments, coordinates treatment, teaches proper techniques and precautions, provides taping services and more.
“I need to know who has practice, who might need rehabilitation and any upcoming games,” she said.
“Each athlete is different, so understanding their specific needs is crucial.”
Houghton High School Hockey Coach Micah Stipech said Maria is a critical part of his team.
"Our most important task is the health and well-being of our student-athletes. Having a professional athletic trainer is invaluable," he said. "Without Maria, we'd be like a race car team without a pit crew. The wheels would fall off."
Her role as an educator and trusted resource for students is just as important as her medical expertise. By building relationships with each student-athlete, Maria creates a safe space where they can feel comfortable discussing their concerns.
“I try to be someone they can talk to, not just about injuries, but also about stress and anxiety that come with being a student-athlete,” she says. “Knowing I can make an impact on these young athletes to better prepare them not only for the field, but everyday life is very rewarding. I want to be the person they can rely on when things get tough.”
Coach Stipech said it's obvious that Maria has each athlete's best interest in mind. She's worked hard to build trust with the student-athletes she cares for, as well as their families, through strong communication and focused attention. The coaching staff rely on and trust her judgement, he said, giving them the ability to focus on their job of managing the game.
Maria communicates regularly with the coaching staff to confirm students are listening to their bodies and heading her advice, and not causing further strain. During football practice on a sunny September day, she checks in with several students, tracking progress and making sure they’re finding the right balance of training and rest. She helps guide a few players through a series of stretches and pulls one aside to make sure they’re recovered and ready for the upcoming game. A quick conversation with the coach ensures they’re all on the same page.
As players take the field on game day, Maria stands at the sidelines, watching closely for signs of injury—prepared for intervention at any time. Some of the more common conditions she sees are sprains and strains, muscle tears, stress fractures, tendonitis, concussions, heat-related illness and knee ligament tears—anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL).
If it’s not something that she is not able to treat herself, Maria works closely with medical professionals, including our physical therapists, rehabilitation staff and the full sports medicine team—consisting of UPHS – Portage Orthopedic Surgeons Dr. Carter, Ronald Ronquist, MD, and Andre Oulai, MD, Physician Assistant Jesse Primeau and Orthopedic Technician Adam Kerry, along with UGL’s Dr. DeYoung and Physician Assistant Melissa Vertin—to ensure the proper care is received from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
“This type of collaboration is essential in athletics,” said Dr. Carter. “Sometimes, it takes a full team of professionals to get an athlete back in the game, and we’re able to provide that here at UPHS – Portage.”
Having an athletic trainer in a high school and collegiate sports setting is crucial for several reasons:
- Injury Prevention: Athletic trainers develop injury prevention programs, educate athletes on proper techniques and monitor their physical condition to reduce the risk of injuries.
- Immediate Care: They provide immediate care for injuries that occur during practices or games, ensuring that athletes receive timely treatment, which can significantly affect recovery outcomes.
- Rehabilitation: Athletic trainers work collaboratively with the therapy team to design and oversee rehabilitation programs for injured athletes, helping them return to play safely and effectively.
- Education and Awareness: They educate athletes, coaches, and parents about injury risks, the importance of hydration and nutrition, and the need for proper warm-up and cool-down practices.
- Emergency Preparedness: Athletic trainers are trained to handle emergencies, including life-threatening situations, ensuring that athletes receive appropriate care until further medical assistance can be obtained.
- Mental Health Support: They often play a role in monitoring athletes’ mental well-being, providing support and resources for those dealing with the pressures of competition.
- Collaboration with Medical Professionals: Athletic trainers work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals—including Orthopedic surgeons—ensuring that athletes get comprehensive care when needed.
- Building a Positive Culture: Their presence fosters a culture of safety and well-being, emphasizing the importance of health and proper training among athletes.
Maria is part of a team of experienced athletic trainers at UPHS – Portage that serve local high school and Michigan Tech sports programs: Korinne Thomas, Todd Hall, Courtney Handlen, Taylor Thelen, Dorothy Jamison and Carley Maanika.
When it comes to safety, healing and prevention, choose caregivers who treat you like family. Choose care you can rely on. For more information on athletic training services at UP Health System – Portage, visit UPHealthSystem.com.