Augusta, Ga- March is National Athletic Training Month, and at Augusta University, that responsibility falls on three people. Lisa Cummins, assistant director for sports medicine; Bonni Messner, associate athletic trainer; and Brooke Gandy, assistant athletic trainer, work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep AU student-athletes in top shape and performing at their best. Their dedication to the profession doesn't go unnoticed by the athletics department.

"To run a successful program you really need to have a relationship with the training staff and you have to have trust. A belief system that you know they get it, they understand and we need athletes performing at a high level," said Sharon Quarles, head volleyball coach.



Basketball player Autumn Phillips is one of many student-athletes who've seen firsthand how important their role is. After breaking her collarbone during a game this season, it was Messner who was right there to help—providing both medical care and support during a tough time.

"She was just calming me down and giving me information on what could be happening and just brightening up my spirits," said Phillips.

Messner was the right voice for Phillips as the process was more than physical, it was mental as well.

"Me and Ms. Bonnie have a lot of conversations and a lot outside of athletic. We talk about everything. She's kind of like, I don't way to say a therapist, but she's someone I can talk to," said Phillips.

The mental well-being of a student-athlete wasn't as prevalent as it is now and it's one more task trainers undertake.

"I think that's what our trainers have done is make it a comfortable space for them to talk about their mental health and emotional health," said Melissa Brocato, head softball coach.

"It's changed through the years for the mental health, the physical health and the demand for their time. I'm fortunate to be right across from them (the training room) and I love it when an athlete goes 'oh the trainers aren't here,' and I'm like they were here last night at nine p.m. They do a great job," said Dip Metress, basketball head coach. 

With nearly 300 student-athletes to look after, long days are just part of the job. And with the addition of stadium lights for baseball and softball, those days now extend even later into the night. But they never complain. They show up, put in the work, and fully embrace their roles—always staying ahead of the curve with the latest treatment plans and industry advancements.

Being on the same page as the coaching staff is a big part of the job. Athletic trainers often catch things during practices and games that coaches might not see, making communication and teamwork essential for a successful program.

One added tool in Augusta University's training staff arsenal is the presence of Loch and Lorna, the therapy dogs. Their time in the training room and at practices creates a safe space for student-athletes, offering comfort and support in a demanding environment. 

"It all plays a part," said Quarles. "As minor as just going to saying hi to a fury friend, it's welcome." 

"We've got Loch and we've got Lorna in our training rooms tp provide emotional support to our student athletes," said Brocato. "So I think that shows our commitment from our training staff and from our athletics department to really take seriously the care of our athletes minds and emotions, not just the physical part."

National Athletic Training Month is a reminder of the work they do every day, and Augusta University is proud to recognize Cummins, Messner, and Gandy for their dedication to Jaguar Athletics.