At Ayala, the athletic training program is more than just a place where athletes go after getting injured; it is the heart of the school’s sports community. The staff and students who work as trainers work much harder than people realize. They help athletes recover and stay safe. From the head trainer to the students who learn from her, everyone has a special role in keeping their athletes ready to play.
Mrs. Kayla Willie, the school’s head athletic trainer, believes that taking care of an athlete’s health is always the priority, rather than having them experience the pain for long periods of time. She has seen everything from small to major injuries, and she treats each one of them with the utmost respect and care. Willie believes that one of the most important parts of her job is paying attention to what the student wants both physically and mentally.
“I make sure that I listen to the athlete’s body, and not just what the athlete is saying,” Willie said. “Regardless of how upset they may be by me not allowing them to continue, I must protect their bodies so they can participate long term.”
Her calm attitude and confidence has made her someone that the coaches, players, and parents trust her. Willie always reminds her athletes how important it is to take care of their bodies instead of forcing them to play with pain.
“Hydration and fuel are vital and key components to compete at a high caliber,” Willie said.
Even though Willie does not always have as much space, time, or equipment as she would hope for, she does everything she can to make sure her athletes get the right help by creating an environment where athletes know that they are deeply cared for.
One of the students who has been inspired by Willie is Chloe Aragon (10), a student athletic trainer who dreams of becoming a sports physician for a major league team one day. Aragon joined the program because of her love for helping people and wanting to make a difference in their lives. For her, athletic training is not just about wrapping injuries or running on the field; it is about being there for the athletes when they are struggling.
“I love the idea of combining my passion for being there for others and helping them recover and perform their best,” Aragon said. “It’s rewarding to be someone they can depend on for support and care during tough times.”
Aragon has learned a lot about empathy, patience, and how to stay strong under pressure. She’s seen how tough injuries can be for athletes and how important encouragement can be. Even though balancing school, training, and personal life can be hard, she stays motivated by her goals and the feeling that she’s making a real difference.
Another student trainer, Chloe Aquino (10), joined the program because she wanted to learn more about helping others and get real hands-on experience.
“I think this program is a great way to get hands-on experience in real-life situations,” Aquino said.
She admits that she did not realize how much time and effort athletic training would take, but she’s found that the hard work comes with a lot of exciting memories.
“Although it can be time-consuming, I have fun times with the other girls,” Aquino said. “It really does feel like a team.”
Through her experiences, Aquino has learned to be responsible, confident, and patient. She’s discovered that communication is one of the most important skills in this field, especially when others are depending on her to stay calm in stressful situations. She is still learning and improving day by day as she feels more capable and comfortable. This year, Aquino hopes to grow in her confidence and learn and understand more about how to respond quickly and correctly when an athlete gets hurt.
Together, these three women show what it means to be dedicated, strong, and caring, and are prime examples of athletic trainers. Willie leads with experience and compassion, while Aquino and Aragon bring kindness, energy, and determination to everything they do. They may not be the ones scoring, but they are the reason the athletes can play and stay healthy. These trainers are the true heroes of the game, standing by the sidelines.
