The Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association marked the first day of fall sports with a message of appreciation for the state’s secondary school athletic trainers, thanking them for the work they put in every day to keep young athletes safe.
In a post shared on Facebook, the association wrote that it understands “the grind of fall sports” and what athletic trainers face on a daily basis once the season begins. The post included a video from NFL on Fox and asked trainers across Missouri a simple question: What year are you starting?
Trainers Share Years of Experience
The response from the athletic training community was immediate, with dozens of trainers commenting to mark how long they have worked in schools across the state.
Ashley James said she is entering her sixth year overall, four of them at SMA. Gini Fite, who has spent 25 years in the profession, is starting her 16th year at Smithville.
Sam Riggs is beginning his third year at Grandview School District, with about seven years total working in the secondary school setting.
Kaylee Peery marked her 12th year at Nevada High School, while MacKenzie McInturff said she is starting her ninth year, all of them spent at Odessa.
Other trainers reported similarly long careers. Kaci Ludwig is entering her 10th year at Benton High School. Craig Jennings, who has worked in the field for 30 years, said 23 of those have been spent at Webb City.
Anna Casaleggi marked her 15th year, and Jami Miller noted she is in her seventh year working specifically in secondary schools, her 13th as a certified athletic trainer, and more than 20 years overall in the profession, timed with her high school reunion this year.
A Season Built on Experience and Dedication
The variety of responses highlighted just how many veteran athletic trainers make up Missouri’s secondary school sports programs, with careers ranging from just a few years to three decades of service.
Many trainers have stayed loyal to a single school district for the bulk of their careers, while others have moved between schools before settling into their current roles.
As fall sports officially begin across the state, the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association’s message serves as a reminder of the often behind-the-scenes work these professionals do.
From treating injuries on the sideline to making split-second safety decisions during games and practices, athletic trainers play a critical role in supporting student athletes throughout the season.
The association’s post drew strong engagement, with trainers from across Missouri using the comments to celebrate their milestones and connect with colleagues in the field.
