Friday, January 19, 2024

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: Todd Johnston
Position: Athletic Trainer
Institution: Northwest Nazarene University
Hometown: Boise, ID
Education: Boise State University / University of Nebraska
Degrees: Bachelor's of Science in Athletic Training / Master's of Arts in Higher Education Administration

What sports did you play: Baseball

Why did you want to become an athletic trainer: I spent a little bit of time in the training room in high school and saw what a cool relationship our AT had with student-athletes and coaches. Additionally, the combination of sports/athletics and medicine was very intriguing.

Biggest obstacle overcome as an athletic trainer: I made a quick change out of the setting I thought I would spend my whole career in due to a family health emergency. It took a couple of years to find a setting I enjoyed before settling into DII athletics. I have loved it ever since.

Best advice you’d give to student-athletes: I think there are a lot of aspects of athletics that student-athletes can apply to the rest of their lives. Having a good work ethic and the ability to work well with others (even if you aren't their biggest fan) can be applied in many of life's situations. College athletics can be frustrating at times for student-athletes, so I just try to encourage them to look at the big picture and how a frustrating experience can have a positive impact on their lives down the road.

Most memorable sports-related moment: In graduate school, our football team played in a primetime matchup with both teams in the top 10 at the University of Wisconsin. The combination of the atmosphere, historical stadium, and an overtime thriller was amazing to be part of. Here at NNU, our baseball team going to the DII Championships in 2021, men's soccer's Elite 8 run in 2022, and men's basketball's run to the Sweet 16 in 2021 were all awesome experiences.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the GNAC: Everyone in the conference seems easy to talk to and accessible if needed. As athletic trainers, we communicate well and help take care of each other's teams as most athletic trainers don't travel during the regular season which helps with our work/life balance.

What do you do to get a break from your professional responsibilities: I enjoy spending time with my fiancé Nicole and our dog Riggs. I love hunting, camping, mountain biking, trail running, and hanging out with family.

Quote you live by and what it means to you: "Remember who you are." My dad always told us that when leaving the house for school. It's something I remember him by since his passing in 2019. There are a lot of difficult moments in life, but remembering who you are can help you through those moments without losing yourself.