Athletic trainer helps students through highs, lows of competition

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera.

No two hours of work are the same for Avera certified athletic trainer Caitlyn Martin. That’s natural when you serve more than more than 500 athletes at Washington High School.

Martin has acute physiology and sports medicine knowledge, but her communication skills are at work all the time.

“I’m often talking to high school athletes, their coaches, the school’s administration, as well as Avera physicians, therapists and other experts,” said Martin, MSAT, ATC, CSCS. “In addition, I’m talking to parents, explaining how their son or daughter is doing in their progress with an injury or almost anything else.”

Martin’s not alone. She partners with a strength and conditioning coach at Washington, along with a team of athletic trainers who serve specific high school across Sioux Falls – and around the Midwest. Passionate people like Martin serve young athletes in dozens of locations, with the help of Avera’s overarching programs and facilities.

She loves her work – and has eight years of doing it as proof.

“It’s a 24/7 sort of thing. Some days, we’re in the athletic training room before school starts or not home until after a football game on a Friday night,” she said. “I get to see athletes overcome an injury, get back to the field and, in some cases, win championships.”

Being a part of the highest highs and the lowest lows is what makes Martin so passionate about her work.

First on the scene for sports injuries

When there’s a possible injury, Martin is first on the scene – be it courtside, on the 35-yard line or during practice. She begins treatment and then works with her Avera professional team to ensure good outcomes.

“We have a real ‘same-page’ mentality, and our docs and others really respect us,” Martin said. “All the things we do, we do together to help the athlete.”

They do that even when it involves disappointing news.

“There have been times when I have said ‘no’ to an athlete returning to play because I thought they weren’t ready,” she said. “My athletic director, as well as my leaders, back me up on those hard decisions.”

She said it takes the full team to do the best by every athlete, no matter the sport. Her work includes a lot of phone calls, a lot of assessment and triage, and a ton of collaboration.

“An athlete might do physical therapy two days a week, then work with me the other three,” she said. “We have a lot of one-on-one talks with our students.”

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