In honor of Black History Month in February, NATA Now is highlighting some of our Black leaders at the state, district and national levels as they share insight into their volunteer journeys.
Kiana Young, MS, AT, ATC, said she wanted to pursue a profession that enabled her to work with athletes like her sister.
“I decided to pursue athletic training after observing the interactions between my sister and her athletic trainer during her recovery,” said Young, a Trinidad and Tobago native. “My sister and I played on the Trinidad and Tobago youth and junior volleyball team, and she was always injured.”
Considering the need for athletic trainers in her home country and the fact that priority was given to treating senior level or professional teams, Young understood the value of an athletic trainer. She said she decided to become an AT so she could work with athletes impacted by this deficiency.
“So, why not pursue a profession where I can work with athletes who may not have health care resources available yet aim to compete on an international stage?” she said.
Throughout her athletic training career, Young, who now works in the collegiate setting with the softball team at the University of Toledo, said she has witnessed the negative impact of injuries on athletes. She has also seen how important it is to manage them.
Currently serving as a member on the NATA International Committee, Young shares her story of growth and international advocacy for the profession.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer position within athletic training was managing the Georgia Southern Athletic Training Organization’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, as a student at Georgia Southern University. I got involved because it was an opportunity to learn and collaborate with upperclassmen and various clinical preceptors to promote the profession.
Tell us about your current position as a member of the NATA International Committee and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
One role of the NATA International Committee is to provide resources to athletic trainers who live or work outside the United States. I’m a part of a task force that is creating a document that outlines the curricular content requirements for any country/organization that wishes to join the international arrangement for the athletic training and therapy profession. I hope to pave the way for fellow internationals in the profession working in the U.S. who are planning to return to a country where athletic training/therapy isn’t recognized.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
I was once told that people are more likely to stop and pay attention when they see a familiar face. Representation matters as it’s important to show that everyone is valued and included. It starts with how we interact with our patients in various settings and of different backgrounds. This also affects the recruitment and growth of our profession when our leadership is diverse and inclusive.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Volunteering has definitely brought me out of my shell. It challenged me to build relationships and take on complex administrative tasks. I’ve not only gained valuable insight into the operations of NATA, but also mentorship and networking skills in meeting opportunities I never expected to be in.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
My fondest memory of serving was Committee Day during the 74th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo. It was fun to meet the committee members in person and socialize at the events hosted by organizations that we work closely with.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
My advice is just to do it because you won’t know what you can accomplish without trying. It never hurts to reach out and offer your services to any area of interest. It feels great when you can give back, especially to a cause you are passionate about.
