NATA Student Leadership Committee Chair Jon Reidy discovered his love of athletic training early on.
“I have a very typical story,” said Reidy, who played several sports growing up. “I went into the athletic training facility [after an injury] my freshman year and never left. I spent countless hours in there. My sophomore year, I decided that’s what I wanted to do.
“I saw how athletic trainers impacted people. They weren’t just there for the athletes when they were on the field—they became an extra ear for them. They helped shape who they were as people. They were in their lives.”
Reidy shared how his interest in sports and athletic training influenced his decision to become a leader in the February NATA News. Learn more about the Springfield College senior below.
Who has been a major influence in your life?
My biggest influence has been my grandfather, Walter Price. He attended Springfield and graduated in 1954. He taught me the mission of Springfield College without my realizing. He truly lived it every day and I picked up on it. It was little things like holding doors or saying “hi” to people whether he knew them or not.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Try a little harder freshman year! Everything seemed really difficult, but the years get progressively tougher, and looking back, I know I could have done a hair better in a class or two.
Tell us about your most memorable experience as a leader.
My most memorable experience as a leader was assisting with a major programmatic assessment on my campus that ended up having a pretty widespread impact on campus. It was something we felt might never change and we were able to speak up and work with the admistration to make the change needed.
What are your plans for the future?
Upon graduation I will be looking to secure full-time employment in athletic training. I will also be moving to North Carolina.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have recently taken up waterfowl hunting with a few of my friends. It's a great hobby that takes a lot of dedication in the off season and willingness to sit for hours in the cold—oddly paralleling athletic training, actually. It's a great way to relive stress and spend time with friends.
Posted by Beth Sitzler, NATA News Managing Editor (beths@nata.org)
