Behind the scenes

To ensure the athlete’s needs are met, each trainer is given a group of athletes to work with. While the caliber of the athletes at the Seminoles’ disposal speaks for itself, the people behind the athletes are a huge part of what keeps the athletic programs competing at such a high level. This continues to allow the Garnet and Gold to stay highly ranked in collegiate athletics. Athletic trainers are the professionals responsible for injury prevention, therapeutic rehabilitation, and emergency on-field care. Their scope of practice covers a range of settings, including high schools and professional sports teams.

Saltaformaggio is with the throws group and evaluates issues regarding the upper body, specifically the shoulder. Her colleague works with men’s sprints, which is a lot of injury maintenance. McKinney oversees most athletes and has some from previous years who gravitate toward his guidance. Athletic trainers focus on an athlete’s physical well-being and work closely with various support staff. These professionals include nutritionists, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists and sports psychologists. 

“It’s so much fun, you make such great connections, and you get to watch a lot of these athletes kind of grow up, whether it be in the high school setting or in the college setting,” Saltaformaggio said. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say that once my time here at FSU was done, I will miss all the athletes I have had here, because they’re just great people, and you get to watch them compete and do the things that they love.” Athletic trainers often act as liaisons, connecting athletes with these specialists.

Practices usually begin mid-day for track and field athletes, and athletic trainers are available before or after practices. Athletes may come in for stretching, hot packs or dynamic warm-ups before practice. Post-practice options include more recovery treatments like flushes, cupping or ultrasound. Cupping therapy is a favored technique among athletes for alleviating muscle fatigue. The cups enhance blood circulation to the affected area using suction, relieving pain and reducing inflammation.The training team begins before the athletes arrive on the field by preparing coolers for practice, turning on various modalities and ensuring the training room is set up. Athletes may address any bodily concerns during the 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. treatment hours.

To come up with the best course of treatment, athletic trainers work closely with their athletes to ensure they keep an open line of communication. At FSU, the track and field athletic training team is led by athletic trainer Stefan McKinney and supported by two athletic training interns, Trinity Saltaformaggio and Jasmine Suggs. The athletic training majors at FSU completing clinical rotations also assist the team. The renowned athletes at Florida State University are a result of their own determination and hard work. Many professionals behind the scenes also contribute to the athletes’ success. Among these individuals is the dedicated staff of Seminole athletic trainers.“Usually with our track and field athletes, they’re very in-tune with their bodies, so they kind of know when something is wrong or if something doesn’t feel right,” Saltaformaggio said. “From there we plan out the progress of what we’re going to do. Everyone’s on the same page, usually, when it comes to any injuries or something that’s starting to look like it could be an injury.” To qualify, students must pursue a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s in athletic training. If they have completed an undergraduate degree in athletic training, they may pursue a master’s in a related field. The students then sit for their Board of Certification in Athletic Training (BOC) and apply for a license in the state where they wish to practice.

As the head athletic trainer, McKinney attends every event: travel and home. The interns switch off attending travel meets, and one person stays on campus if anyone needs to access the training room.