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 Jeffrey Oakley (2nd season)
Oakley will be completing his second year with the Gallaudet Athletic training staff this fall. Oakley joined GU during the 2024 fall season after completing his certification exam in early 2024. Oakley attended Frostburg State University where he completed a combine program. He graduated with an undergraduate in exercise science during 2020 and Masters in Athletic Training 2023.

Oakley 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?
JO: Recovery from a physical injury is a journey of emotions, pain, and small victories. As an athletic trainer you play many roles. Sometimes you need to be a trainer, cheerleader, or therapist depending on each individual athlete.

What made you decide to become an Athletic Trainer?
JO: I was injured in high school, and didn't have any guidance on what to do.  I want to be there for athletes to lead them in the right direction on the road to recovery.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to become an Athletic Trainer?
JO: Athletic training is a very rewarding career. where you get to know your athletes and form a bond to help them through adversity. Injuries can be physical and mental so forming a bond of trust is a very important part of becoming a trainer. Also, you get a front row seat to every game!

What's the best part of your job?
JO: Watching an athlete return to sports after a long recovery.

What is your favorite injury to treat?
JO: Muscle cramps.

What are your favorite athletic training supplies you use?
JO: Second skin (for blisters) and resistance bands.

What is your favorite snack? 
JO: Dunkaroos

What is your favorite movie?
JO: The Sandlot

Also, the BisonCenter crew recently interviewed each Gallaudet Athletic Trainer. Enjoy this conversation with Jeffrey Oakley.

 

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#NATM2026 Profiles

• Mariko Kobanawa
• Tom McKnight
• Teri Wood
• Jeffrey Oakley

Also see:

• NATA website
• NATM website

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.