This summer, 45 Exercise Science students took the field, literally, gaining real-world experience by working side-by-side with the FC Cincinnati athletic training team at youth camps across the Tri-State.
Thanks to a connection with our Workforce Services Department and a shared vision, a collaborative relationship began forming with FC Cincinnati’s Vice President Dan McNally, leading to a unique opportunity: giving students from Butler Tech’s eight Exercise Science programs the chance to shadow and assist FC Cincinnati’s athletic trainers during summer soccer camps.
Over 10 weeks, students staffed 16 camps, both morning and evening, providing support for young athletes and learning firsthand from professional trainers. The experience not only brought classroom learning to life but also gave students valuable insight into careers in sports medicine, athletic training, and healthcare.
“Working with the FCC team was a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of sports medicine, particularly recognizing and managing heat-related injuries,” shared Ellie Brite, a student from Lakota West. “It was super cool to tour the facilities and see how a professional sports medicine team manages their space.”
For Chloe Jones, a student at the Bioscience Center, the experience offered clarity and inspiration. “Seeing the work in action and how trainers interact with the athletes was amazing. Even though it may not be my chosen career, the opportunity has been so valuable that I’ll still consider it. I am grateful to witness firsthand how an athletic trainer works, especially since it aligns closely with my interest. Go FCC!”
The students were welcomed with open arms by the FC Cincinnati team. “I really enjoyed how welcoming the staff were towards us and also how we were given some space to ask questions and learn with them,” said Meera Slayton from Lakota East. “I learned there is no way of knowing what could happen from an athletic training perspective, and you just always have to be prepared for ‘what if.’”
Whether it was offering hydration to players in the heat, helping manage minor injuries, or learning how to respond quickly to the needs of young athletes, the students left the camps with a stronger sense of confidence and a clearer view of their future.
“I have learned that no matter the age or the problem your patient is reporting, they need you as a healthcare professional to be your best self all the time,” reflected Ava Haines from Northwest. “Sometimes they just need a pep talk because after they fall down, they get embarrassed and may not be hurt. Overall, it was a fun experience to watch the progress and the relationship building with training staff, coaches, and players.”
Students earned work-based learning credit for their participation, with some even taking on multiple weeks of camp. Butler Tech supported the students with custom polos to wear during their time with FCC, identifying them as student athletic trainers and reinforcing their professional role within the camps.
“We are incredibly proud of the students who stepped up this summer to grow, improve, and pursue their career goals,” said Nikki Drew, Butler Tech Teacher Leader. “We’re especially grateful to Dan McNally, Corben Bone, and Hayley Racer for giving us the opportunity to partner with such an outstanding organization. A huge thank-you as well to FCC’s Summer Intern Athletic Trainers, Katie and Colin, who went above and beyond to support our students. Their professionalism, knowledge, patience, and kindness made a lasting impact.”
As this first phase of the partnership comes to a close, both Butler Tech and FC Cincinnati look forward to expanding the collaboration, potentially involving branding projects, ambassador roles, and even broader workforce pipeline opportunities in the future.
