Head to Toe

The grunts and groans of football players tackling

drills fill the air during an early morning practice.

Standing on the edge of the field during the team’s first of its twice daily training is a petite blond in sunglasses and shorts. Sitting on the ground next to her is injured player resting in the shade.

She may not be enduring the same intensity of the summer heat or the bruises the players withstand, but Alyssa Marcotte, ATC, is ready to treat them when they occur.

The 5-foot, 1-inch Marcotte is Clinton High School’s new athletic trainer.

Don’t let her size fool anyone. This 22-year-old is used to working around people who are bigger and taller. A graduate of Illinois State University, Marcotte experienced a variety of clinical rotations with athletes who towered over her in an assortment of sports at Normal Community High School, Illinois Wesleyan University and ISU.

Size doesn’t matter for Marcotte’s new role, but knowledge, experience and attitude do. And Marcotte appears to have all that and more. Her youth and energy are evident as she talks about her interest in sports and the athletes who play them.

“I like the spontaneity,” of being an athletic trainer, she said. “It’s always different. And I look forward to getting to know the kids.”

For the complete article see the 08-17-2012 issue.

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