Friday, December 15, 2023

Part of a regular series:

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile Athletic Trainers, recognizing their role in safeguarding the health and well-being of student-athletes. We aim to emphasize the integral part they play in injury prevention, rehabilitation, mental well-being, and overall athlete performance. Highlighting their contributions fosters a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure student-athletes can compete at their best while promoting a culture of health and safety in collegiate sports.

Name: Palmer Trolli
Position: Head Athletic Trainer
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Hometown: Levittown, PA
Education: Neumann University California / University of Pennsylvania
Degrees: BS Athletic Training, Minor Strength and Conditioning / MS Sports Management

What sports did you play: NCAA Division III men's lacrosse. I also grew up playing hockey, baseball, and soccer all the way through high school.

Why did you want to become an athletic trainer: I have always loved the team aspect of sports and was always intrigued by how the body performs. I felt this was a great way to stay on the sideline and to get the most out of people. I also think it is pretty awesome to work a job that requires you to wear khakis, sneakers, and a t-shirt or polo most of the time.

What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome as an athletic trainer: Healing and growing from an on-field death of a student-athlete. No amount of training can prepare people for that, but the growth is something I will always remember.

Best advice you would give to student-athletes: Make the most of your time. College flies by and athletic careers end before you know it. Enjoy the moments you are in and make the best of them. Your college years are what you make it. Get off the couch and go for a run with teammates because one day you will have to run on your own.

Most memorable sports-related moment: Winning the 2023 Rifle National Championship. Was an amazing opportunity to witness some top-tier athletes compete at a high level. It was a pretty amazing thing to see and I was lucky to have been a small part in that. Being there for that may have been better than the Phillies World Series or Eagles Super Bowl Parades.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the GNAC: I have met some wonderful coaches, admins, and fellow athletic trainers who truly all have the same goal in common; athlete wellness.

One thing people don't know about me is: I am a certified Disney adult. My biggest regret of leaving Florida is missing my Disney days.

What do you do to get a break from your professional responsibilities: I love camping and hiking, which Alaska has some of the best of. Doing anything to stay active and getting fresh air outside, even when it's -30. Getting outside and moving are amazing ways to spend some off time. Also, I won’t turn down an offer to go to Disney or a nice family vacation to our favorite shore town.

Quote you live by: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take," Wayne Gretzky. This quote always reminds me I have to go for what I want. You can't sit back and say "what if?" You have to be the one taking the shot if you want to reach your goals.