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From Architecture to Athletic Training and Beyond

When Anna entered college at the University of Oregon, she planned to become an architect. However, she soon realized that this path wasn't her true calling. Her backup plan was physical therapy, inspired by her experience rehabbing from an ACL reconstruction in high school. Yet, fate had something different in store for her. She met with the exercise and movement science department head, who introduced her to the world of athletic training. It was a revelation. Working with sports teams, possibly on the field, was far more appealing than an office job. The catch: the University of Oregon didn't offer an undergraduate athletic training program. Undeterred, Anna charted her course. She crafted a custom curriculum, leveraged the graduate program, and dedicated 2500 hours to an internship to become a board-certified athletic trainer. Anna's experience teaches us an invaluable lesson: we will not precisely have every next step planned. It is more critical to stay attuned to our feelings and zoom out occasionally to assess our current position and recalculate if necessary. Each of us will inevitably go through different seasons in life, so it's essential to regularly check in with yourself to prepare for whatever changes or challenges come your way.

Networking and Pioneering Internships

Anna's determination didn't stop there. She quickly grasped that the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals would be invaluable. So, she pursued internships relentlessly. Notably, she took a bold step by sending personalized letters to every MLB team on the West Coast, requesting to work with the training staff. This proactive approach produced results when the head athletic trainer of the Seattle Mariners offered her a summer internship in Arizona. This opportunity gave Anna valuable experience working with rookie league and rehab assignment athletes. That summer, Anna stumbled upon an article about a new company named Athletes' Performance (now EXOS). It piqued her interest as an ideal place to intern and continue working with professional athletes, her ultimate goal. Despite lacking an established program for athletic trainers or physical therapists, EXOS made an exception for Anna due to her impressive resume and experience with the Mariners. Anna showcases that anyone can carve out their path, but they must be prepared to face obstacles, persevere through them, and find their place in the competitive landscape of sports.

A Path Paved by Innovation and Persistence

Anna's journey continued its upward trajectory from there. She interned at EXOS while attending grad school in Mesa, Arizona. Her hard work and dedication made a mark on the company, leading to a part-time role. After completing her master's degree, Anna's one-year fellowship at the US Olympic Committee (USOC) in Chula Vista awaited. She had been recommended by one of her coaches. However, her tenure at the USOC was cut short after eight months. Why? Her impact at EXOS became so evident during her absence that they offered to rehire her full-time. Anna's career continued to ascend, ultimately reaching the company's Director of Performance Physical Therapy position. After an impressive 11-year journey with EXOS, she took a giant leap and started MovementREV. This transition felt seamless thanks to her desire for innovation, strong leadership skills, and extensive experience in outpatient physical therapy clinic management. Anna’s mission at MovementREV is to provide top-tier athletes in various professional sports leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, PGA, LPGA, and track and field, with concierge sports healthcare services. Besides her clinical work, Anna is a passionate sports healthcare educator who offers unique mentorship programs tailored for Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, and coaches. Through these programs, Anna provides a fresh perspective on sports healthcare and supports incorporating cutting-edge knowledge into their practice. Throughout her career, Anna has demonstrated the importance of pioneering her path, continually learning, and adapting to an ever-evolving sports industry.

Stay Tuned: This Week in Sports

The Rangers are taking a 2-0 ALDS lead back to Texas. Can the Orioles fight their way back into the series?

College Game Day will be in Seattle next weekend ahead of the matchup between No. 7 Washington and No. 8 Oregon.

The Detroit Lions (-3.5) are back on the road in Week 6, taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3.5) in a battle of NFC division leaders.