New Varsity Athletic Trainer Jesseca Holcomb

This fall, Rhodes welcomed varsity Athletic Trainer, Jesseca Holcomb. Jess, a Guntersville, AL, native, went to Huntingdon College in Alabama, where she acquired a major in Political Science & Athletic Training. Shortly after completing her undergraduate degree, Jess headed to Oregon State to pursue her Master in Sports Medicine. At OSU, Jess worked with the track, cross country, and football teams. 

Below, Jess tells Her Campus about her experience as Rhodes’ only female varsity athletic trainer at Rhodes! We love getting the chance to learn about her accomplishments, interests, and contributions to Rhodes.

How did you decide to get into sports medicine?
 
I was originally Pre-Law, but after my second year of college, I did not feel that law school was for me. Since I played soccer, I ended up in the training room, and I got to see the “in’s and out’s” of went on there.  They were at every practice and game, and always looked like they loved being there. I wanted to find something that I truly enjoyed in a career, so I narrowed down what I loved doing the most: being involved with sports and helping people.  So then and there, I decided why not make a career out of both.
  
What did you do before coming to Rhodes?
 
Rhodes is my first staff position since graduating from Oregon State.  However, I have worked not only with Huntingdon College and Oregon State, but for an Arena Football team, several physical therapy clinics, as a fitness instructor, and under the supervision of an orthopedic physician.
 
What’s your favorite part about being an athletic trainer?
 
My favorite part about my job is seeing my athletes get back out onto the field after being injured.  There is nothing like seeing your work actually help someone feel better so they can get back out on the field with their team mates. Other than that, it’s seeing your team win games, and cheering along with them.
  
What’s your favorite part about Rhodes in general?
 
The athletes here at Rhodes have been so amazing for me to work with.  They are the reason I come to work every day, and why I stay late sometimes.  They definitely make my experience here enjoyable.
 
As an athletic trainer, what are your favorite sports and sports teams?
 
Being a soccer player, my favorite sport would be soccer.  However, after working with field hockey, it’s running a close second.  My favorite sports to watch is football.  I could watch football (not practice) all day long and be completely happy.  My favorite sports teams are New York Giants (Eli Manning), Boston Celtics (no reason needed), Auburn Tigers (Home team), San Francisco Giants (Tim Lincecum), Chicago Blackhawks (Patty Kane).
 
 What does the average day look like for you?
 
I get to work at 8 am Monday–Friday. I perform rehab and manual treatments in the morning until 1 pm, and then I go work out or run till 2pm. Practices start around 3:30, so the afternoons are spent getting teams ready for practice and treating after practice (i.e. stretching, taping).
 
 What are your hobbies and interests outside athletic training?
 
I run or workout every day just to feel normal. In the past 3 years, I learned to snowboard and absolutely love it. Watching or attending (not working) sporting events is also a great past time of mine. My addiction, however, is music: any and all types. I have so much music on my computer that it crashed once. 

Her Campus Rhodes and all the Rhodes athletes appreciates all the athletic trainers, and especially Jess!