This past Friday, it was announced that Anderson’s Sports Med program has received Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Training Staff Award. As part of an annual tradition started in 2022, Dave Campbell of Texas Football is working with Texas Children’s Hospital to recognize the students who devote their time and effort to sports medicine programs throughout the area. Each week of the football season, a different group is recognized for their contributions to their school’s athletic department. Recognized programs from last year include Hendrickson, Lake Travis, and Cedar Ridge. Anderson’s is the first of many to be recognized in the 2023 season.
This award is given to standout sports medicine programs, so naturally, I asked the coaches what they thought brought attention to Anderson. They noted the “dedicated group of students who care about learning new skills and love to implement [them].” Besides the dedication, Anderson’s sports med students also bring passion to everything they do which improves the overall quality of the program. They are taught practical skills that they can and will use throughout life to better themselves and those around them. Some even utilize what they have learned to guide their careers, since many go into nursing, PT, and become athletic trainers. Those who do not go into a medical field of study still use their sports medicine knowledge to help themselves and others in their day-to-day lives.
While Anderson’s sports medicine department is already above and beyond, they have goals they are always striving to achieve. The trainers and students focus on being an active and contributing part of the community to positively impact Trojan athletics. They also emphasize the learning and application of skills and being “the best ‘team behind the team’ [they] can be.”
Anderson’s sports medicine department consists of more than twenty student trainers, team physician Dr. Volpe, and of course Coach Busby and Coach Ngo. While this award recognizes them for their contributions during football season, they cover every Anderson sport and help on average 850 athletes per year. They are able to develop relationships with players and help them succeed, whether they are in the game or recovering from an injury on the sidelines.
Part of what makes Anderson Sports Med so special, though, is the community aspect of it. The application process ensures only the most committed students are a part of the program, and trainers have nothing but positive things to say about their experiences. Fourth-year Eli Marlowe explained that “joining sports med was the best decision [he’s] ever made. Coach Ngo and Coach Busby are amazing people, and they make the program what it is.” It’s not just the trainers in the program that create a sense of community, but all those they help. The coaches specifically thanked Anderson staff, players, and families for their continuous support of the program.
Huge congratulations to Anderson’s sports medicine trainers and coaches for receiving this award. Thank you for all you do to help Trojan athletes!
