A poster reading “Boo-Boo Nation” hangs on the door to Athletic Trainer Ms. Belinda Rodriguez‘s office. The poster was made to hang in the gym during last year’s senior volleyball game and was given as a gift to Ms.Rodriguez from the seniors after the game. “I used to play volleyball myself in high school, so the game will always have a special place in my heart,” Ms. Rodriguez said. (Isabela Fernandez)
A poster reading “Boo-Boo Nation” hangs on the door to Athletic Trainer Ms. Belinda Rodriguez‘s office. The poster was made to hang in the gym during last year’s senior volleyball game and was given as a gift to Ms.Rodriguez from the seniors after the game. “I used to play volleyball myself in high school, so the game will always have a special place in my heart,” Ms. Rodriguez said.

Isabela Fernandez

Sport’s Superhero

Isabella Baquerizo, staff writer

November 30, 2021

Some teachers have unconventional classrooms. Broken bones, sprained ankles, and muscle injuries, Ms. Belinda Rodriguez takes care of it all.
Ms. Belinda Rodriguez has one of the most important roles in the school, she keeps everybody healthy and in good shape to participate in their sports.

“As sports get more intense and more kids play year round sports, there tends to be injuries, so Belinda is important not only to treat the injuries as they happen, but to rehab some of the girls after their injuries,” Athletic Director Maura Herrholz said.

Throughout her years at the school, Ms. Rodriguez has rehabbed many girls back to health and normality, while taking care of every athlete’s needs.

“In my case, she had me do exercises that would strengthen me and get me back to cheer as soon as possible, while being really patient and motivating me,” Quintana said.

Ms. Rodriguez’s positive attitude and love for her career truly shows through her work and her teaching of the Sports Medicine program. She inspires her students to become better everyday, according to senior Gabriella Pozo.

“I love working with her because she’s extremely knowledgeable, very dedicated, and truly loves what she does,” Mrs. Herrholz said. “I trust her completely even with my own daughter.”

Ms. Rodriguez undertakes physical tests to check in on Junior Olivia Jo Lambert’s shin splints Thursday, Sept.16. Ms. Rodriguez has been working with Lambert in order to heal her shin splints and have her back in running condition. “Belinda really has helped me a lot. Without her I’d be in pain all the time and wouldn’t know what to do,” Lambert said. (Camila Alvarez)

Through the Sports Med program, Ms. Rodriguez helps educate the future generations of surgeons, athletic trainers, and med students.

“My favorite part about teaching the Sports Med program is how interested the girls are in the medical field aspect and I love mixing it up with sports because it makes it more fun,” Ms. Rodriguez said.

Being an athletic trainer has many fun and exciting aspects however there are many who rather work in a hospital than a high school. However, Ms. Belinda Rodriguez said she prefers to work at school because of the connection she gets to share with her athletes.

“My favorite part of the job is the special connection and bond I have with the girls,” Ms.Rodriguez said. “Seeing them come back from every injury, knowing that I have their life on my hands is the most rewarding thing you can have.”

Many are interested in following Ms. Rodriguez’s path and becoming an athletic trainer.

“In my opinion it is truly an amazing career, but you have to do it because you love it and for the passion of it,” Ms. Rodriguez said.

However it is a hard career to study. Ms. Rodriguez has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, a minor in kinesiology, and a masters in sports medicine, specializing in athletics training.

“I know it is a hard career to follow so remember to focus and trust the process instead of wanting to be an athletic trainer right now and enjoy the journey,” Ms.Rodriguez said.

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