Sports Medicine Minute: Meet Our Full-Time Athletic Trainer

By Asha Dean, Director of Outreach for Student Experience

Fall sports are in full swing with competitions beginning last week for the Cardinals. There’s no time like the present to catch up with SAAS Athletic Trainer Cait Brown. Originally from Northwest Indiana, Cait came to us last year from Purdue University, where she worked with the Women's Softball, Men's and Women's Tennis, Women's Soccer, and Football teams. In this Sports Medicine Minute, she shares what her role looks like and what she loves about working at SAAS. 

Can you share more about your role at SAAS and what a typical day is like for you?

As the Athletic Trainer, I am here to support our student-athletes in injury prevention, rehabilitation, treatment, and navigating through injuries. My typical day consists of meeting student-athletes to answer questions, sharing resources about nutrition and hydration, doing rehab appointments, and attending practices to support coaches and teams.

What do you like most about being an Athletic Trainer at SAAS?

Each day is different in my role, and there is always something new to learn in this profession. 

SAAS is so unique because of its diversity as a community and a school. This extends beyond just sports and is about the opportunities the school provides all students and athletes. From my initial interview, everyone in the community was welcoming, and I identified this as an environment where I wanted to be, work, and grow as a professional.

What makes you most excited for your work?

The chance to see a student-athlete return to play, while growing through the process is a high point for me. It is really heartwarming to see an athlete rejoin their team post-injury and see their progression of getting back to their sport.

Where can student-athletes find you on campus, and how do they go about arranging time with you?

You can find me in the Athletic Office, just across from the Upper School Gym. Hours are posted on the door, and I keep all coaches informed about my availability. Student-athletes can also email me to make an appointment. If I am available, I always welcome a walk-in student-athlete too!

What are your three fast takes on how to keep fall student-athletes healthy this season?

1. Make sure to pre-habilitate with conditioning, stretching, and acclimating your body to the increased demands of sports. It’s best to start small and grow during the season, rather than start big and encounter an injury.

2. Hydration and nutrition are part of the puzzle. Being properly hydrated allows you to perform better and prevents injury. Your nutrition supports the increased workload your body is doing and is the necessary fuel to power you through your day. You must remain consistent with both to reach your goals.

3. Recovery is important. Listen to your body. Each student-athlete is the expert on whether they are too sore or too tight. Consult your coach when something seems off with your body.

What are you most looking forward to in your second year at SAAS?

I am most excited to build upon the relationships I established with student-athletes and coaches last year. I want to make a positive impact as a resource in the SAAS community.