After a brief vacancy in the role, Strath Haven High School welcomes Daniel Walsh as its new athletic trainer, just in time for the busy fall sports season. Walsh brings years of experience to help athletes push their limits.
Walsh attended Monsignor Bonner High School, where he played soccer and ran indoor and outdoor track. After becoming interested in sports medicine, he attended West Chester University’s Sports Medicine program.
“In between my sophomore and junior years, I injured my right knee. I tore my meniscus, and in the whole process of having to do my therapy, I got to know my athletic trainer. And that kind of led me down this career path,” Walsh said.
Becoming an athletic trainer has specific requirements, including a national certification exam with three parts and licensure to practice in the state, according to Walsh.
After completing his training, he began working at the Glen Mills Schools, where he remained for 25 years. For the last several years, he worked at Coatesville High School, then Premier Orthopedic.
Some common injuries he sees in high school athletics are ankle sprains and tendonitis, joint problems, and knee sprains.
“Athletes are always upset because they know they hurt themselves,” Walsh said. “You need to go in with a level head. Keep your composure because if they see you freaking out over the severity of the injury, they’re going to freak out.”
After spending a lot of time and becoming a veteran in the field, he also reflects on some things he wishes he had known earlier as a trainer.
“Well, you need to have a good work-life balance. Managing your time, taking time to recharge the batteries,” he said.
He recounts how the hours can get long sometimes and how covering all night and weekend games can be difficult. However, he also enjoys dealing with the students and helping them grow and develop as athletes.
“Staying involved in athletics has always been a passion of mine, but working at the high school level, you get to see the kids develop as young adults and watch them progress through their athletic careers,” Walsh said.
