Written and submitted by: Jennifer Dorman
“I fell in love with Athletic Training because I get the best of both worlds- sports and rehabilitation”
About Michael:
Michael is originally from Memphis. TN and attended Houston High School. There he played football, baseball, and tennis. At the time, he was not exposed to an athletic trainer, but realized he really enjoyed helping the injured players during his time as a student. After graduating high school, he applied and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in Physical Therapy. However, after some time, Michael realized his passion was in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. Already being familiar with the University, it was the obvious choice for Michael to pursue his Masters in the Graduate Athletic Training Program at UTC. The fact that the program had an impressive 95% and above passing rate, he knew there was no other choice.
Where did your career start and where is he now?
Wanting to stay in Chattanooga after graduating, Michael started looking for schools close to home. He landed in Cleveland, TN, just north of Chattanooga, at Walker Valley High School. He spent the next four years taking care of the student-athletes there. Leaving those students was not easy for him, but he felt that he had helped them to the best of his ability in his time there. In January 2020, Michael was offered the athletic trainer position at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga. He transitioned to GPS the following month from WVHS. Unfortunately, with the pandemic, it has been an interesting challenge for him and he looks forward to the sports season starting back up soon.
“I can only be the best me, everyone else is already taken.”
What is the most important lesson you have learned so far in your career?
Time management. “I learned quickly that being the only athletic trainer at a high school, that I can’t be everywhere at the same time.” Michael covered softball, soccer, football, and baseball and learned how to balance coverage and family life.
Most memorable moment?
“Seeing one of my athletes be the #1 prospect on the ESPN top 10”
Where do you see the profession heading and what are some needs?
“The profession is heading up. I believe we are finally getting the recognition of our importance to our athletes at all levels.” Michael also believes that continued education to other healthcare providers about what athletic trainers are is important.
How would you advise the younger professionals?
“Time management! Also, never expect each day to be the same. Be ready for any and everything to change at a moment’s notice. One last thing, remember to balance work and home life. You have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others.”
“Michael is committed to the profession of athletic training and to his family. He has a strong work ethic and an incredibly infectious and wonderful smile.”
- Dr. Marisa Colston, PhD, ATC Head of the Health and Human Performance Dept at UTC
Have you been involved in any research pertaining to athletic training?
“I was involved in research involving DynaVision and the effects that concussion has on an athlete’s peripheral vision. It was presented at the 2016 NATA Symposium.”
When not working, what do you enjoy doing?
“I normally spend most of my time with my family doing whatever we can. Also, anything related to music, such as DJ-ing, playing the drums, and helping out at church in the production booth. I, of course, like to play sports, and I play video games to de-stress.”
“I am very pleased with Michael’s growth as an Athletic Trainer and as a professional. Last year he took on the challenge of working with GPS and is well prepared for the challenges that come with a private school setting. Away from work, he is a very devoted father and husband who loves spending time with his family. He is also a part- time DJ who does weddings and other events.” - Robbie Williams, ATC