SLU AT Student Appreciates Clinical Learning Experience with Men's Basketball at UW-Milwaukee

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Athletics

By: Alexander Smith (MAT Class of 2023)

Change has been the theme surrounding my time at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with men’s basketball team this summer. There is a new head coach, nearly 10 new athletes joined the team, and I get to experience the changes with a new preceptor. My new preceptor, Aaron Haselhorst, ATC, has given me opportunities to learn how to manage a NCAA Division I basketball team, even during the summer. Each chance I have gotten, I am learning new ways to manage pathologies, more than evaluating pathologies. 

Days and duties at UWM are consistent. Upon my arrival at the athletic training room, I help get the fluids set up prior to practice. I then wait for any athletes to arrive in the training room for a pre-practice stretching or manual massage. After all athletes get prepared, we make our way to the courts to watch practice. For post-practice, the athletes get post-practice treatments, whether it be an ice bath, Normatec treatment, or ice bags. Some days do include more soft tissue massage like cupping, Graston, or even dry needling when athletes need it. I am fortunate enough to have learned how to perform cupping massage as well as HIVAMAT treatment. These types of skills are what I look forward to having in my repertoire of treatment options. 

Each day has brought me new experiences and ways to treat my future athletes. I have gotten the chance to perform cup, treat, and stretch athletes prior to practice. Even when it has only been two weeks since my arrival U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, each member of both the athletic training team and basketball team has understood my role. Aaron has given me many opportunities for me to learn and possible add in my athletic training toolbox. This experience has been exciting for me since I arrived at UWM. I look forward for what the rest of the summer has to offer with my time at UWM. 

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program have an immersive field experience in the summer between their two professional years in the program. This blog post details a student's reflection on their experience.