Spring Branch ISD Featured News

SBISD Athletics Provides Learning and Growth Opportunities for Student-Athletes

March 27, 2024 11:45 AM

The Spring Branch ISD Athletics Department recently held the annual Student Athletic Training Workshop at Don Coleman Coliseum. This event brought together high school student-trainers from Memorial, Northbrook, Spring Woods, and Stratford high schools, along with licensed athletic trainers, for a day of learning and team-building activities.

The workshop is just one way SBISD Athletics supports student-athletes on and off the field. By providing opportunities for learning, growth, and community building, the event helps to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among the district's young athletes.

This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Student Athletic Training Workshop, an initiative that has left an indelible mark on participating students' lives. The program was launched in 2009 by Tyra Harrell with the goal of creating continuity and community among students interested in athletic training. Since then, approximately 80 students annually participate in the program, with an impressive 90% of them continuing their education at technical, two-year or four-year universities.

One of the program's impacts is the opportunity for students to attend sports medicine camps at various Texas universities. Over the years, more than 50 students have benefited from this invaluable experience, gaining exposure to cutting-edge practices and networking with professionals in the field. Additionally, the workshop has awarded 72 post-secondary scholarships to program students, with nearly $65,000 in total scholarships awarded thanks to the generous donations of our sponsors.

Beyond the realm of sports medicine, alumni of the program have embarked on diverse career paths, from physicians to architects, showcasing the broad impact of our athletic training workshop. Eight former students have pursued careers as athletic trainers, with two of them proudly serving in SBISD.

We extend our gratitude to all athletic trainers who have played a pivotal role in mentoring our students over the years. Their dedication and support have been essential in making the program a success. We also express our heartfelt appreciation to the student-trainers who tirelessly work behind the scenes, often without recognition, to ensure the smooth operation of athletic events. We applaud their dedication and hard work.

Special thanks go to SBISD Athletics and Paige Hershey, Executive Director of Athletics, for providing breakfast; David Wilkinson, Memorial Hermann Outreach Athletic Trainer for providing the lunches; Dr. Provenzano with The Orthopedic Sports Clinic for providing the official workshop t-shirts; Methodist West Hospital for cooling towels; and guest speakers Paloma Guiterrez, current University of Texas Student Athletic Trainer (former Northbrook High School Athletic Training Student) and The Northbrook High School Sports Psychology Staff; Memorial Hermann Methodist's Dr. Sprockel and UT Physicians' Dr. Sabonghy from provided funding for our athletic training scholarships.

To learn more about SBISD’s Athletics program, click here.