Courtesy of Sam Parker

BSM Athletic Trainer, Beth Zook, pictured after a long day with a busy office.

Taping ankles, icing injuries, and evaluating athletes are just a few of the everyday duties in the hectic life of a high school athletic trainer (AT). Benilde-St.Margaret’s AT, Beth Zook, is one of the most valued members of the BSM sports community, and her busy day in the life holds teams together as they look to make state runs deep into the season.

As the final bell rings at 2:30 and students are preparing to leave school, Zook arrives at her office, located in the western Haben hallway. Upon arriving, athletes from a variety of teams storm into her office looking to claim a spot in line. Before taping everyone up, Zook takes the time to individually evaluate new or ongoing injuries.

After updating her injury report notes and talking to coaches, she begins the process of taping and treatments. Treatment can range from wrapping an ice bag around a bruised shoulder to helping with physical therapy or other needs athletes may have. Once practices are off and running, you can find Zook monitoring teams on her acclaimed golf cart. “Practices usually end around 6:00 p.m, but gameday hours are much longer and stressful…Sometimes I’ll have four soccer games going at different levels and sometimes even volleyball going at the same time,” Zook said.

Zook discovered a passion for athletic training in college, where she learned from her school’s athletic trainer and decided to pursue a career in the field. After earning her bachelor’s degree in exercise science, she moved to Minnesota State Mankato, where she studied for two years and earned her master’s.

Having played soccer throughout high school and college, Zook translates her love for sports both in the training room and on the field, where she enjoys being involved in high school athletics. BSM is the first high school she’s worked at, and her favorite parts of the job include connecting with athletes, watching awesome sports, and feeling a part of the team. Nevertheless, athletic training isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. “My least favorite part of my job is when it’s cold and raining outside and I have to stand out at a field but other than that I like every other part,” Zook said.

Despite some of the challenges, Zook would much rather work in a school environment than a TRIA office. “The school to me is way more fun than working in the office. I get a different atmosphere every day, which is really fun. I also get to be outside, enjoy the weather, and see a bunch of different kids every day,” Zook said.

Zook’s office remains one of the most popular spots to be after school, where student-athletes flood in to deal with injuries or just have a conversation. Last football season, sophomore athlete Jabari Strader suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for a multitude of games. On the road to recovery, Zook helped him with physical therapy and a variety of stretches. “I’m in her office every day before practice. I gotta get tape but even if I don’t have practice, I’m still in there talking to her,” Strader said.

By 6:15, Zook does her final check-ins and reorganizes her office for another busy day. Once notes are filed, ice is refilled, and her notorious candy bucket is stocked, she locks her office and heads home for the night.