EIU Department of KINESIOLOGY, SPORT, AND RECREATION

Athletic Training Alumni

Below are career updates about alumni of the Athletic Training program:

John Ames (B.S. 2008) is an Assistant Athletic Trainer – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I am in my seventh season as Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League.  I evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate players on a daily basis to allow them to compete on the highest level possible.

Through my experiences at Eastern Illinois University, I learned to treat many athletes from diverse backgrounds.  The foundation I built at Eastern Illinois University helped me earn an internship with the Baltimore Ravens during the summer prior to my senior year.  These experiences catapulted me into the position that I am in today.  I am now a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, certified in The Graston Technique, FMS Level 1, and Personalized Bloodflow Restriction Therapy.  I utilize cutting edge modalities and functional rehabilitation to keep our world class athletes on the field.

Sergio Valdez (B.S. 2014) is a Clinical Outreach Athletic Trainer for City Center Rehabilitation

During the day I assist a physical therapist and physical therapist assistant with their patients exercises. At the high school I cover all sports offered. I help my students with stretching, exercises and taping as needed. I enjoy working at a high school, it allows me to work independently with my athletes to do therapy and to utilize my athletic training skill set.

EIU’s athletic training program helped me so much for the real world workplace. During my internships and once I received my first job I felt comfortable and even ahead of other students I met from other “big” universities. EIU’s program utilizes several different experiences so you’re constantly engaged in the profession. That is a great thing because the only way to learn about being an athletic trainer is to be hands on. Thank you so much to Lee Ann and EIU for getting me ready for the workplace. 

Jed Arseneau (B.S. 2003) is an Athletic Trainer for Hendricks Regional Health 

I currently work for Hendricks Regional Health covering South Putnam High School/Middle School. I'm the only ATC at this small rural school.  I provide first aid, rehabilitation, and injury prevention to a variety of student athletes.  I also work with USA Diving covering International and National events.  My most recent International travel was 2017 World Championship for High Diving and national event was 2018 Junior World Championships trials at University of Miami, Ohio. 

The best thing about going to EIU for AT education: the small class sizes made it more of a close family and better learning experience.