Mendoza Takes Reins As Ashland’s Athletic Trainer

Aimee Mendoza has been hired as Ashland High’s new athletic trainer.
The 35-year-old Mendoza, who was on the job at the Clockers’ sports events during the spring on an interim basis, was Natick High’s athletic trainer for eight years. In that post, she was employed by the Metrowest Medical Center, but she now is working for the town of Ashland.
“Natick was like my second home,’’ Mendoza said. “I’ll miss the kids, coaches and the staff ,but I’m pleased to be working in Ashland. It’s a smaller school but I’ll keep busy. The athletes seem grateful that I’m on board and there’s been a warm welcome by the kids and the coaches.’’
When Ashland’s athletic director, Mike Grimes, was coaching freshman soccer at Natick High, he got to know Mendoza. And, when he discovered she was interested in a job change, he proposed Ashland as an option. “Mike has been great,’’ Mendoza said. “He’s supportive and welcoming.’’
The role of a high school athletic trainer is crucial in so many ways, but Mendoza never loses sight of her primary function — the health and welfare of student-athletes.
“My role is to ensure that our competitors are in proper shape, and they’re ready to play,’’ Mendoza said. “If they’ve been injured, I’m there to help them get through rehab. My no. 1 priority is the health and safety of our student-athletes.’’
Different trainers will offer different attributes they believe are the keys to performing their roles. Mendoza has four.
“I firmly believe that trainers must be personable,’’ she emphasized. “It’s also important to be patient. The need to be able to multi-task is a high priority because you’re often needed in a variety of places simultaneously. Another significant key is time management — the ability to organize your day so you can provide maximum assistance.’’
When a competitor is injured, that’s when Mendoza springs into action. That’s when she becomes a liaison with parents, doctors and physical therapists. That’s when her expertise in athletic training kicks in. A native of Maryland, Mendoza has a bachelors degree from Frostburg State (Maryland) and a masters degree from California University (Pennsylvania). Her major was in athletic training in both venues.
“When an injury occurs in a game or practice, I’m usually the first person to assess the situation,’’ Mendoza said. “A plan then is formulated, and I communicate with the doctor involved. I’ll also be in contact with a physical therapist if one is needed. Also, I’m always speaking with parents. I try to deal with an individual’s injury by knowing the situation from A to Z.’’
If an athlete has to be transported to a hospital after an injury, Mendoza’s focus is for parents, or a family member, to get there as soon as possible. She handles contacting them if they’re not on site.
“Since I’ve got to stay at the event after an ambulance has taken an athlete to the hospital, an assistant coach may be dispatched to the hospital, if warranted,’’ Mendoza noted. “What’s important when a serious injury occurs is to stay calm. The key is to reassure the injured player and the parents that everything will be done that’s required for their child. When a game ends, I’ll try to visit a player at the hospital. Parents often are uplifted when they see me, and they respect others’ concerns.’’
When a patient is released from a hospital, rehab often is needed. Mendoza monitors the student’s attendance at therapy and often gets a list of exercises required for a return to good health. “I’ll work with students on their exercises wherever possible. It could involve stretching in the trainer’s office or it could be in the gym,’’ she said.
A routine day for Mendoza involves organizing her day’s activity, working with athletes who need attention, then preparing for practices and games.
“The most common injuries we deal with are ankle sprains,’’ said Mendoza who resides in Waltham. “Concussions, however, have received more front-page news recently. At Ashland, we follow the regulations set forth by the state Department of Public Health. We have a good team working in that area. I communicate with the nurses we have and with doctors. We make sure no one returns to compete prematurely.’’
During her high school days in Great Mills, Md., Mendoza played volleyball, basketball, and softball. In college, she played varsity tennis, was captain of her team, and was a league all-star. “I enjoy all sports, but I must admit I like being outdoors,’’ Mendoza said. “Basketball and tennis are fun to be around, and football is exciting. In the fall, I play in an adult flag football league.’’
Someday Mendoza hopes to be a paramedic but she’s comfortable in her role as Ashland’s trainer. She’s often at clinics and seminars, and last year she attended the annual convention of the National Athletic Trainers Association in Baltimore. “It’s a must to stay up to date,’’ she emphasized. “At conferences, we learn about new equipment, new treatment techniques, and we get refreshers on how to handle different injuries.’’
Whatever decisions Mendoza makes, there’s little doubt that Ashland High’s coaches and players trust her. Count Ashland High’s athletic director Mike Grimes in that group.
“I’ve known Aimee for seven years, and she’s an outstanding professional,’’ Grimes said. “She works well with the student-body population at Ashland and we’re fortunate to have her on board.’’