To commemorate Pride Month in June, NATA Now is highlighting student members who serve on their state, district or national LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and sharing insight into their impact on the profession.
Keely Arndt, ATC, found her passion for athletic training as a student athlete in secondary school and college.
“As a frequently injured runner in high school and a portion of college, I realized the importance and essential nature of athletic trainers,” she said.
Currently pursuing a master’s degree in athletic training at East Stroudsburg University, her alma mater, Arndt said her interest in the profession also stems from her need to assist other athletes, thereby giving back to the profession that gave so much to her.
Now, as the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee student liaison, she is also able to serve the LGBTQIA+ population not only with her AT skill set but also her leadership qualities.
Read further as Arndt describes her career and leadership journey.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer opportunities within the athletic training profession were assisting at the Beast of the East Wrestling Tournament and being a first aid responder for youth track meets in Delaware. I wanted to get involved with the Delaware athletic training community and get even more hands-on experience.
Tell us about your current position as the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee student liaison and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and an athletic training student, I wanted a way to make a positive difference in both realms. Currently, I have been working in conjunction with our social media team to create some of the posts that can be seen on our Instagram account, @lgbtqnata. While I am the student member for the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, I am also hoping to help organize more Safe Space Ally Training for the Athletic Trainer presentations. Spreading the word about the struggles LGBTQIA+ people and athletes face, coupled with how to make athletic training facilities more inclusive for these athletes, is paramount to me.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
Representation in leadership is everything. When young people see those in leadership positions who look like them and are similar to them, it fosters the idea that these same young people are welcome there. Representation in leadership encourages the diverse leaders of tomorrow. Then, the athletic training profession, as a whole, benefits by the inclusion of differing ideas and viewpoints because our patients are unique individuals.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
On a personal level, volunteering has helped me grow to be more flexible, in addition to refining my leadership and planning skills.
On a professional level, I have learned so much about putting together proposals and working on large collaborative projects.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
My fondest memory of serving so far was traveling to Indianapolis for the 74th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in 2023. It was wonderful to meet so many great people in person after working with them over Zoom. I look forward to going to New Orleans this June to work with my committee members again and experiencing all NOLA has to offer during the 75th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo!
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
As a young professional who will be starting my first athletic training job this fall, I encourage athletic training students and athletic trainers to just get involved however they can. Giving back doesn’t have to be something huge; it can be within the local community. Just speaking up in a conversation to advocate for athletic training can help educate those around you who are unaware of what we truly do. Having a small pride flag or Safe Space sticker can show your LGBTQIA+ athletes that they are welcome to be themselves in your athletic training facility. Joining an NATA committee, such as the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, is another way to give back and get involved on a larger scale.
