Behind the Tape and Training Tables

By Tania Molina '26

Shannon Drew with a student in the ATC

During the 2025-2026 school year, there had been so many electric scooters parked outside classrooms, crutches on chairs, and students recovering from major injuries became a familiar sight across Cate’s campus. What many students did not see, however, was the constant work being done behind the scenes at the Brittingham Family Athletic Training Center (ATC), where a reduced staff managed one of the busiest injury years in recent memory while also working to maintain their own well-being. 

“I was worried because it can be such a high flow, high volume here in the ATC,” assistant athletic trainer Lieah Maxfield said. “We’ve had at least 10 students use scooters this year, and we’ve had a lot more severe injuries that have required surgeries compared to last year. There have also been students who denied the offer of a scooter.” 

With assistant athletic trainer Lauren Ellis on maternity leave for much of the year, Cate’s remaining athletic training staff had to adapt quickly. Head athletic trainer Shannon Drew posted daily shift openings for outside trainers to help with taping, game coverage, and practice preparation. Maxfield was allowed to focus on managing student injury cases, coordinating referrals, and keeping families and coaches updated through Cate’s health tracking system. Even with the outside support, the ATC remained one of the busiest spaces on campus, especially during the spring trimester, when sports injuries often peak. 

“I try to be more mindful about how I’m feeling,” Maxfield said. “I try to get some kind of activity in, whether that's yoga or a workout before bed. I’ve been trying to read more… and I really try to get off campus if I'm not needed for work because that space is helpful for me to reset.” 

For Drew, balancing athletic training responsibilities with her role as Cate’s Director of Residential Life and as a mother raising two children requires separation between work and home life. Even throughout this year, her children were seen in the ATC far more often than the previous year. She described reading, spending time with family, and taking small off-campus outings as important ways to recharge during demanding stretches of the school year. 

“Teaching students about their bodies and helping them understand the difference between soreness and injury is a huge part of what we do,” Drew said. “And after a student sustains a big injury, getting them back on the field, that first time back is a pretty big deal.”

Libbi Ever-Hadani ‘29 recently visited the ATC after injuring her ankle in a fall on campus. After evaluating her injury, Drew helped fit her with supportive equipment and guided her next steps in recovery. “It was very quick, straightforward, and reassuring,” Libbi said. “Five out of five stars I would recommend.” 

While students may only see crutches, moon-like boots, or scooters, much of the athletic trainers' work happens behind the scenes through long, wave-like hours, careful coordination, and sacrifices of off-campus outings, self-care, or family time, as they strive to provide ongoing support that helps injured athletes return safely to play.