Getting to Know You: Taylor Curry
Taylor Curry — Athletic Training undergraduate student Q&A
Hometown: Maple Valley, Washington
Year: Junior
First thing is first, why is your nickname “Chicken”?
My sorority sisters kind of just call me that because my last name is Curry so my full nickname is “Chicken Curry.” But it’s funny because when I was little my aunt said I would only eat chicken nuggets so the whole nickname came full circle.
Why did you choose to be involved in the Athletic Training program at WSU?
I chose to major in athletic training at WSU because growing up I participated in a non-traditional sport. Doing ballet for 15 years, I experienced a variety of injuries throughout that time. My regular physician did not have a strong understanding of the bio-mechanical movements of ballet so it made it hard to create my back-to-participation plans. In athletic training, one of the many things that we do is rehabilitate athletes back from injuries so that they can participate in their sport again. With this knowledge I want to be able to take what I learn and apply it to all kinds of sports so that no matter what sport an athlete participates in, they can have the best treatment possible.
What is your favorite part about the program?
My absolute favorite part about the program is gaining relationships with the athletes I work with. By connecting with them on and off the field I get to know who they are as a person but also get to see them excel at what they love to do. These relationships are so important in my profession because athletes put their trust of medical care into certified athletic trainer’s hands.
Is there anything that you think outsiders don’t fully understand about what it is you do?
It is common for people to not understand what athletic trainers do. I commonly get asked if I train them in the aspect of strength training in the weight room or if it is a lesser version of physical therapy. As an athletic trainer we do help athletes gain strength and do similar things in rehab as they would do in physical therapy, but it a profession of its own.
Athletic trainers are certified in CPR/first aid and are trained on what to do during emergency situations. We are the medical personnel that do immediate response to injuries during practices and games. Additionally, we are the people that do injury prevention and rehabilitative care using different therapeutic modalities. Our main goal as professionals is to keep athletes healthy and able to perform at their highest abilities.
If you were to pick your ultimate dream job, what would it be?
Being an athletic trainer for the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Teams.
Favorites
Food: Pasta
Movie: A Cinderella Story
Musician/Band: Justin Bieber
Sport: Hockey
Celebrity Crush: Chad Michael Murray
Quote: “Always believe something wonderful is about to happen”