STATESBORO - This month we are asking each member of our Georgia Southern athletic training staff to participate in a Q &A session for Athletic Training Appreciation Month. We will learn more about athletic training and more about the experiences of our athletic trainers and all the work they do for us behind the scenes!

Our final  athletic trainer in this series is Layne Culbreth. Layne is an assistant athletic trainer working primarily with our softball program!

What is something about athletic training people often don't know?
"We play a large role in a person's life. Athletic trainers are allied healthcare professionals, but we are also advocates for the person in various aspects of their lives. We see athletes when they fail a test, need advice, are sick or hurt, and we are there to help aid in the athletes' overall health and well-being."

What is your favorite part about being an athletic trainer?
"Being an advocate and making a difference in an athlete's life. We see athletes sometimes at the hardest moment in their lives and helping them through those tough times and getting someone back to the sport they love from a serious injury is so rewarding. The job, however, isn't all about those big moments but the little ones too: watching an athlete's success and growth from year to year both on and off the field."

What is a treatment you like but don't get us as often/your favorite treatment?
"I enjoy the creativity of Kinesio Tape and being able to experiment with and try different styles to help an athlete with functional movement."

What is your favorite thing about working with your sport(s)?
"Each team that I have worked with here at Georgia Southern has helped make me a more well-rounded AT. I have had to adapt and grow with each team dynamic and within each class on that team. Working with the softball program the last year and a half has been fun and fulfilling. They challenge me to be better and work harder, but they make it fun and enjoyable—I am always laughing."

Fun Fact?
"First sport I ever participated in was Vaulting which is gymnastics on horseback."