In-Depth Look: Associate Athletic Trainer for NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball

Taylor Pitts, MS, LAT, ATC, CES is an Associate Athletic Trainer (AT) for Mississippi State University, working with women’s basketball in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I setting. She has been a certified AT since2018.

Describe your typical day:

No two days are ever the same, though most start with coffee and prayer to get going. My mornings involve treatments, preparing athletes for workouts and updating staff on important information. In the afternoons, I have a window to get everyone prepped for practice. During practice, I can relax and monitor the athletes while also updating daily injuries and treatments in patient electronic medical records.

What I love most about my job is game days and the wonderful people in women’s basketball—coaches, athletes and broadcasters—who work hard to celebrate this sport!

What do you like about your position? What motivates you?

My primary motivation is to become a better version of myself every day—mentally, physically and spiritually.

What is your greatest achievement as an Athletic Trainer?

One of my proudest moments was helping an athlete who didn’t trust ATs regain their confidence and stay healthy enough to continue their sport beyond college.

What advice do you have about your practice setting for a young AT looking at this setting?

For young ATs considering this path, my advice is to be a sponge! Learn from everyone around you and don’t hesitate to build connections. The community surrounding you can help you achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Above all, never stop pushing the athletic training profession forward. Advocacy is crucial. Embrace the role of health care provider with confidence and advocate boldly. The future depends on us to keep moving the needle, so ATs everywhere are seen, valued and respected for the impact we make.