AT SPOTLIGHT
Peggy Bratt
Submitted and written by: Lori Moss
Years Certified: 20 years
Current Position: Athletic Trainer to Alcoa High School with Blount Memorial Hospital, Sports Medicine Coordinator
Committee Service: NATA SAAC, TATS Secondary Schools Committee, SEATA Secondary Schools Committee, TATS Public Relations Committee, Secretary of TATS 2010-2014, Vice President of TATS 2015-2018, President of TATS 2019-current position
Motto: “Never let anyone outwork you”
Favorite Aspect of Athletic Training: “The absolute best is when I have an athlete return from an injury to compete at the sport they love, at the same or higher level than when they got hurt. State Championships aren’t too bad either—they never get old.”
Education: BA in Biology, Maryville College Mentors: Sharon Wood and Joe Black Awards: 2007 Sandy Sandlin HS Athletic Trainer of the Year, 2016 CAREacter HS Football Award, 2019 Athletic Training Service Award
Journey to Becoming an Athletic Trainer and Service to the Profession
Peggy grew up in Indiana with her mom and brother. Growing up, she had a neighbor that played basketball for Indiana University. When she came home he would have basketball practice with her. She remembers she always made her shoot with proper form and technique.
Participation in organized sports started in 7th grade and continued into her college career where she played softball for Maryville College. Her favorite part of playing a sport was the competitive nature of athletics and trying to be better than the day before, which goes along with her personal motto of “don’t let anyone out work you”.
In college, Peggy suffered a knee injury, an ACL tear, that introduced her to Sharon Wood, the head athletic trainer at Maryville College. During the many hours of rehab with Sharon, after her surgery, Peggy developed a passion for service and wanted to assist athletes back to competition. With that she began the internship route that would allow her to become a certified athletic trainer.
Since her certification in 2000, Peggy has served as Outreach Coordinator at Appalachian Therapy Center from 2000-2008, where she was responsible for coordinating athletic training coverage for five local high schools. In 2009, Appalachian Therapy merged with Blount Memorial Hospital, where in June 2009; Peggy took over as Sports Medicine Coordinator. She is now the athletic trainer at Alcoa High School.
Outside of her service to the professional athletic training committees and executive board, Peggy is also the Tennessee representative for SEATA’s Women in Athletic Training Committee which is now referred to as the Life Balance Task Force. She serves as a member to the TSSAA Wrestling Weight Management Committee, has been involved with the United States Field Hockey Association, the AAU Junior Olympics, and is the coordinator of an annual week-long student athletic trainer camp at Maryville College.
In the Hot Seat with Peggy
How many women were in athletics as coaches, administrators, and athletic trainers when you first began on this career path? There were several. Sharon was the head AT at Maryville College, I had a female coach for softball and basketball, but it was still rare for women to be in those positions.
What were some of the obstacles to overcome as a female athletic trainer? Facilities were the biggest issue. My first training facility was inside the football locker room.
How have you seen the profession change since you became certified? I think that athletic trainers have become more prominent as health care providers for athletes as well as expanding into other areas such as the military, industrial, and the performing arts. More people see our value as a health care provider.
What are the major changes to the profession in your time practicing? The scope of our practice. We are more widely recognized as health care providers. While we still have a lot of work to do, we have made great gains in the public knowing who we are and what we do.
How do you see the profession growing and its’ mission? I think we will continue to grow in our scope and ability to practice. I think through the efforts of the NATA, district, and state associations we will continue to gain ground and recognition on the services we can provide to athletes and active individuals.
What is your advice to the new graduate or 1-3 year working ATC? Get involved in your professional associations. Athletic training will not advance without all of us advocating for our profession. Network, meet people, and get involved as well as stay an active member of your state/district organizations and the NATA.
How can we all assist in promoting our colleagues, students, and the community about athletic training? Advocate for each other, support each other and get involved. Never pass on an opportunity to educate each other, coaches, teachers, parents, athletes, and EVERYONE about who we are and what we bring to the table. Every situation is an opportunity to educate on our value to the health care system and our athletes.
Life Outside of Athletic Training
Peggy is an avid SCUBA diver and takes regular tripes each year with different locations in mind to enjoy the world below sea level. When she isn’t taping ankles, you will probably catch her holding her kindle and reading a good book.
Her pride and joy come from taking care of Chloe, Robert, and Greyson, her three grand children. They range in age from 2 to 7. Peggy is married to Steve Covington.
Impact on the Community
“I started shadowing Peggy on the sidelines in the 8th grade, and it was always evident how much she loved and cared for her athletes, their families, and the community. Her passion for the profession, compassion for her athletes, quick wit, and leadership abilities are just a few of the qualities that make her a standout Athletic Trainer and Mentor. The extensive knowledge and experience that she has passed down to me are as invaluable to me as her friendship. Peggy has made an immeasurable impact on the lives of AT Students as Alcoa and across East Tennessee.” ”
“It gives me a sense of calm and confidence knowing that I have someone out there that can handle anything that comes up, especially when it comes to heat and concussion. There is never a question in my mind about her ability to make decisions regarding athletes and their care. She has been, and continues to be, a great addition and big part of the program at Alcoa.
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“Peggy Bratt has done an excellent job leading the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society. Starting as a member of the secondary school committee, to public relations chair, to secretary, to vice president, and now president, Peggy is both committed and devoted to the Athletic Training profession. Every step along the way, Peggy has improved the profession of Athletic Training. As president, Peggy is starting the process of revising both the TATS Bylaws and constitution for the betterment of all Athletic Trainers across the state. She does all this in addition to her full time job as Sports Medicine Coordinator at Blount Memorial Hospital and Head Athletic Trainer at Alcoa High School. She is a valuable asset not only to the students, athletes, and patients that she works with, but to all Athletic Trainers across the state. ”