What’s your why | Ryan Tiscareno, Athletic Training
Name: Ryan Tiscareno MS, ATC
Hometown: Modesto, CA
NAU Program: Master of Science Athletic Training
What’s your why?
I grew up in an extremely competitive household. I was the youngest of three and I was always trying to keep up with my siblings. I was an aspiring baseball player, talking to professional baseball scouts at a young age. Unfortunately, I was in and out of physical therapy from the age of 14-21. In that time, I had a group of phenomenal physical therapists who helped me throughout my surgeries.
One of the physical therapists also coached team speed, agility, and plyometric training. He asked me if I wanted to help, so I helped him with training from the age of 15-21. It was one of the greatest jobs I have ever had. It was so much fun to see the growth of these athletes. Our main goal was to make exercising fun, a goal we successfully achieved. I had the opportunity to work with athletes aged from four to 55 and older, from the recreational level to the Olympic level. This is what sparked my interest in physical therapy and athletic training. I was a physical therapist aid throughout high school and college. Once I started interning in the athletic training room, I realized being a college athletic trainer was my goal. A friend recommended NAU based on his knowledge of my hobbies— mountain biking and disc golf. The rest is history. Now, I love that I get to give back to the program by being a Preceptor for 2nd year NAU MS-ATC students.
What’s your favorite part about being an Athletic Trainer?
One of two of my favorite parts of being an athletic trainer is helping an injured athlete from injury diagnosis, through the phases of rehab, and finally clearing them for their sport. My other favorite part of being a collegiate athletic trainer is watching young adults come in freshman year a little unsure of the world and watching them mature and grow by the time they graduate.
What advice do you have for others considering a career as an Athletic Trainer?
Try not to forget what made you fall in love with the profession. For me, that was the feeling of being part of the team versus being stuck in the clinic 24/7. I have found being part of a team builds stronger rapport and allows growth for everyone.
