- Athletic trainers like Woods Cross' Shawna Richards play a crucial role in Utah high school sports.
- Full-time trainers like Richards ensure student-athletes have immediate access to expert care.
- Coaches like Brody Benson say it relieves a lot of pressure and gives them peace of mind.
WOODS CROSS — As high school football and other sports teams across Utah ramp up for the season, early morning workouts are already underway. Players are pushing through drills that build strength, speed and skill — and keeping them safe is just as important.
At Woods Cross High School, that job falls to Shawna Richards, a certified athletic trainer with Intermountain Health. She's part of a growing network of full-time trainers placed in Utah high schools, ensuring student-athletes have immediate access to expert care both on and off the field. And her role is much more than just taping ankles on the sidelines.
"When you see that person standing on the sideline with a bag and they run out onto the field to help the player — that's an athletic trainer," Richards explained.
From treating sprains to managing concussions and monitoring heat conditions, Richards is a daily presence at practices and games. She uses a humidity tester called a wet bulb globe reader to determine if it's safe for athletes to wear full gear — or if equipment needs to be scaled back to prevent heat illness.
"If you're in the green, which is below 76 degrees Fahrenheit, you're good to practice," she said. "Once you get down to red, no practice equipment can be worn. We want the coaches to be able to run through their practice. We're just going to make modifications as the temperature changes."
Coaches say having an on-site trainer relieves a lot of pressure and gives them peace of mind.
"We deal with injuries every day as coaches, but the more serious stuff, it's nice to have a trained professional," said Brody Benson, head coach for the Woods Cross Wildcats.
Richards also collaborates with athletes and families to help players safely return to play after injuries, making sure they're fully recovered before stepping back on the field. While most people see athletic trainers in action only when a player goes down, their work starts long before kickoff — through injury prevention, hydration planning and player education.
"We want to keep the kids safe," Richards said. "That's the No. 1 priority."
Visit Intermountain Health's website to learn more about their sports medicine programs and partnerships with local high schools.
