Happy National Athletic Training Month to Melinda Wilson, Regional Director and Encore Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer for Winfield High School and Brilliant High School!

Thank you for all you do, Melinda!

Melinda shares what is means to her to be an Athletic Trainer.

Why did you choose athletic training as a career?
I played sports in high school and college and knew I wanted a career involving athletics/wellness. After college, I was working as a fitness instructor at Northport-DCH when I was introduced to Athletic Training through Rodney Brown, ATC. He said, “You look like you would make a good athletic trainer!” I said, “What’s that?” He said, “Come out to Tuscaloosa County High this afternoon and I will tell you all about it.” The rest is history! I fell in love with this career from the first day I stepped on a field.

What has been the highlight of your career?
Starting the Sports Medicine Program in this area from the ground up. I have been blessed to offer these athletes a service that was not afforded to me.

What does it mean to be back home taking care of the people in your community?
Winfield did not have an athletic trainer and I was able to return to my hometown and provide a service for the athletes, Winfield, and the surrounding communities.
It means so much to give back and know I am making a difference. I am thankful for the parents trusting me to care for their children. I have built life-long friendships over the last 28 years! It’s definitely the most rewarding career!

What would you tell future students that might want to become an Athletic Trainer?
If you want a career that doesn’t feel like a job, this is definitely the career for you. I have never felt like I was going to work. It is a lot of long days and nights but the end result is all the lifelong relationships you acquire. It is a special feeling to watch an athlete with an injury work to overcome and return to what they love.

Encore Rehabilitation-Winfield
199 Carraway Drive, Suite A1
Winfield, Alabama 35594
205-487-0540

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#EncoreSportsMedicine