Northview’s Karen Cantrell named Athletic Trainer of the Year

Nikki Skyer, Sports Editor

Upon her return to Northview in 2015, athletic trainer Karen Cantrell brought a unique sense of drive and dedication that continues to transform the athletic community as it enters this year’s spring season. Hundreds of coaches, athletes, and parents feel the impact of Cantrell’s immense commitment to these sports programs, and this appreciation was further recognized in early March when Cantrell was awarded the inaugural Athletic Trainer of the Year award by the Atlanta Falcons. 

When Cantrell tore her ACL during her junior year in high school, she received the opportunity to complete her physical therapy at a nearby college, rather than at a physical therapy clinic. It was at this point, after working with collegiate athletic trainers, that Cantrell realized her passion for the field. This passion is evident in Cantrell’s willingness to go above and beyond for players, often coming in early, staying late, and checking in with parents to keep up with rehabilitation for individuals. 

“Karen is the epitome of a team player,” Charles Kistler, a trainer who works with Cantrell, said. “Not only is she great at her job, she is also a great friend.”

Cantrell and Kistler work together as a pair, dividing work between themselves during busy times and collaborating on rehabilitation plans for injured athletes. In the spring, there are six active sports and multiple teams that fall within their responsibility. The trainers see a constant flow of athletes in need of medical assistance before, during, and after practices and games. Their work ranges from providing ice to taping up injuries to even creating individualized plans for more serious situations. 

“[Kistler] and I are the healthcare providers at this school, taking care of practices, game days, injuries, and helping out with rehab,” Cantrell said. “I am sometimes hard on the kids, but I do it with compassion because I truly care about them.”

The role of a trainer requires not only working directly with an athlete but also with their coaches and parents to effectively work through an injury and get them back on the field playing at their full potential. Cantrell takes this responsibility quite seriously, making time for check-in calls with parents outside of school hours. 

Coaches recognize Cantrell’s high level of dedication as well. She plays a crucial role in their jobs, ensuring that teams can work and practice effectively in order to do well in games or matches. During Gary McCoy’s 18 years at Northview coaching football, basketball, and track and field, he and Cantrell developed a strong relationship and important line of communication. At times, Cantrell even trains McCoy himself, working through various shoulder and knee problems. 

“[Cantrell] goes above and beyond in what she does for this school,” McCoy said. “If you ask me, she was given this award too late. She deserves to be Athletic Trainer of the Year every year.”

As a trainer, Cantrell frequently works with students to assist them in any way possible.  Cantrell sees many injuries each day and ensures that student-athletes are taken care of. Freshman lacrosse player Abby Skalet spent a substantial amount of time in her first season adjusting after a torn ACL. Skalet makes a trip to the training room before almost every practice to see Cantrell and Kistler, ensuring that she is ready to play and will not further injure herself. 

“[Cantrell] works well with everyone; she’s a great trainer and person to talk to,” Skalet said. “Us athletes really appreciate the time she takes to get to know us and our injuries while also getting her job done.” 

For every student, staff member, and parent who encountered Cantrell during her time at Northview, her receiving this award was unsurprising. For Cantrell herself, however, it came as somewhat of a shock.

“My supervisor told me that I had been nominated [for the award], but I received a call from another person at Emory two days later and learned that I actually won,” Cantrell said. “I was very surprised and it caught me off guard. I wasn’t even sure I knew what was going on.”

Cantrell’s impact on the Northview athletic community became even clearer after being named Athletic Trainer of the Year. Countless athletes, including those currently attending Northview and many who already graduated, reached out to congratulate her and show their appreciation for all that she does. Many sent messages directly to Cantrell, and some shared their favorite moments spent with her by submitting a form. 

“It’s clear that [Cantrell] has worked so hard to get to the point that she’s at in her job and as a person,” Skalet said. “She is more than deserving of the award.”