Tuesday 1 July 2014

Athletic Therapist Spotlight - Kim Schneider

Here is our final spotlight for National Athletic Therapy Month. 

Name: Kim Schneider 

Job: Athletic Therapist with The Edmonton Wildcats Football Club and Mentor Therapist for the Sherwood Park Kings Athletic Club (hockey)

Education Background: I have a Bachelor of Physical Education with a specialization in Sports Performance from the University of Alberta as well as an Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy from Mount Royal College.

What is a typical day for you:  A typical practice day with the Wildcats consists of arriving at the clubhouse 1.5 hours before practice starts to get everyone prepared and taped up. We are there for 30-45 min after practice to assess anything that may have happened at practice. On game day, we get to the field 2.5 hours before the game as we need to have everyone ready and taped up in time for warm ups. We are usually there for 45 min after a game to assess any new injuries or have our team doctor assess injuries that do not seem to be responding to our treatments. For hockey, I will typically get to the rink 1-1.5 hours prior to the game to prep the athletes and to prepare the bench with water bottles, towels, etc. I am basically the equipment manager too! For both sports, game day is a 5-6 hour commitment. 

Favourite part of job: My favourite part of the job is seeing my athletes eyes light up and the smile that comes across their face when I tell them that they are able to play again after an injury. I also enjoy the camaraderie of being a part of a team. 

Why did you become an AT: I became an AT because I like helping people and I love sports. I put the two together and found a fantastic job!

Highlight of Career: The highlight of my career thus far would have to be winning the 2013 Western Canadian Challenge Cup with the U16 boys Team Alberta Hockey as the Head Athletic Therapist. Representing our province is a privilege that not everyone gets to do and to do that while bringing home the gold was an experience that I will never forget!

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