WASHINGTON - During National Athletic Training Month, Gallaudet Athletics would like to extend a special thanks to our athletic trainers;
Mariko Kobanawa,
Tom McKnight,
Teri Wood and
Jeffrey Oakley.
March is National Athletic Training Month, an opportunity to spread awareness of the impact athletic trainers (ATs) have on work, life and sport. Athletic trainers are health care professionals that prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate injuries for active people in many industries, including sports, military and clinical practice.
This year's slogan is "Care You Can Count On."
Q&A with Teri Wood (7th season)
Wood is in her 7th year full-time on the Gallaudet Athletic Training staff. She joined the GU staff in Fall 2019 after becoming a certified athletic trainer in May 2018. The Central Michigan University graduate, interned with Gallaudet in 2018. Wood graduated from Concord University with a master's degree in Health Promotion in May 2020.
Wood had a chance to get interviewed by Gallaudet Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
Alyssa Marino for National Athletic Training Month. Below are the questions and answers between the two.
What is something you wish others knew about Athletic Training that is not obvious about the profession?
TW:Â We are one of the only healthcare workers that see an injury from the moment it happens to the moment the athlete is able to play again, and almost everyday in between. I think that is something really special.
What made you decide to become an Athletic Trainer?
TW:Â I went to a very rural high school and I didn't have an athletic trainer my freshman or sophomore year. I ended up having the same injury twice, once without an athletic trainer, and the second time with an athletic trainer. She made a big difference in my recovery and I decided I wanted to do that for other people.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become an Athletic Trainer?
TW:Â Do your research. A lot of students think they can graduate with a degree in PER, exercise science, kinesiology, etc, and become an athletic trainer after they graduate, when in reality-you have to have a Master's degree in athletic training before you can work as one. There is also a certification exam and multiple continuing education units needed to uphold that certification every two years.
What's the best part of your job?
TW:Â The best part of my job is getting to help people do what they're passionate about. Seeing someone back on the field or court after they've recovered from an injury is one of the best feelings.
What is your favorite injury to treat?
TW:Â ACL Reconstruction
What are your favorite athletic training supplies you use?
TW:Â Powerflex and cupping tools
What is your favorite snack?
TW:Â Chips and dip
What is your favorite movie?
TW:Â I'm not really into movies but my favorite show right now is Only Murders in the Building.
Also, the BisonCenter crew recently interviewed each Gallaudet Athletic Trainer. Enjoy this conversation with
Teri Wood.
Â
#NATM2026 Profiles
Also see:
About NATA
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses. They prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. Athletic trainers offer a continuum of care that is unparalleled in health care. The National Athletic Trainers' Association represents and supports 45,000 members of the athletic training profession. For more information, visit
www.nata.org.
