By Otavio Souza
College athletes compete at a high level for long periods of time, and sometimes injuries are a result of the intense routine of practices and games. To be in shape to perform well during the whole season, they count on a team that we don’t see on the sidelines but has an important role in BYU’s victories: the trainers.
“It’s great, I love it,” said Carolyn Billings, the director of sports medicine. “There is some stress with it sometimes, because coaches can only win if we can get them their players on the court or on the field,” says Billings.
The Cougars’ training staff has around 30 people who take care of more than 600 athletes. Three-time all-American volleyball player Futi Tavana is one of them. He has been through seven surgeries and knows how important this team of trainers is for his volleyball career.
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“I spend probably just as much time as I do on the court, anything from physical therapy to getting warm before a practice or a game,” Tavana said.
The interaction between players and trainers develops a friendship that they carry for the rest of their lives.
“Just to be part of their success is very rewarding,” Billings said.
In addition to trainers, the Cougars can also count on doctors, chiropractors, and nutritionists to help them represent the university’s colors around the country.
