My Internship Experience with the University of Utah Football Team

Sone Osborn

My name is Sone Osborn, and I’m in my senior year at the University of Utah. I’m majoring in kinesiology and have an interest in athletic training. I’m applying for the University’s Master of Athletic Training program, which I plan to start in the summer of 2025. I first became interested in athletic training after taking sports medicine classes in high school, taught by my school’s trainer. I appreciated how he helped me personally in my sport and realized I wanted to help athletes in a similar way.

I first came across my internship opportunity through my academic advisor while exploring how to get clinical hours for graduate school. I applied for the internship, got the interview, and earned the position of Athletic Training Intern. This allowed me to directly shadow and work with the athletic trainers on the University of Utah’s football team. About 10 other interns were hired, and I got to meet people in my major and build connections with them.

It took a lot of hard work and time to fully adjust to the fast pace and high expectations of the football program, but it was rewarding throughout. The main duties of the interns are to set up water stations on the fields and water players during practices and games. Each station has water, ice, Gatorade, injury ice, and Gatorlytes. We also have emergency equipment at most stations, which includes a crash bag, a spine board, a crutch bag, inhalers, first aid supplies, oxygen, and more depending on certain players' needs. Every piece of equipment has a place it needs to be and a certain way to set it up. Consistency is important because every person on the medical team needs quick access in case of an emergency during practices or games.

Another important duty of my internship was helping in the training room. This consisted of taping players before practice, walking players through their rehab program made by the athletic trainers, and doing different treatments for the players. I have learned and practiced many ankle-taping techniques, which will be a staple for the rest of my career in athletics. I’ve been exposed to many new treatments which give me experience using technology and seeing the benefits of it. I’m privileged to work alongside experienced athletic trainers to see how they approach and solve problems. 

Overall, my internship gave me everything I expected and more. One of the biggest things it did for me was confirm my interest in athletic training and validate my desire to pursue a career in the field. Having such skilled athletic trainers around me gave me direct access to so much knowledge and let me explore some of the intricacies of being in the field of sports medicine. After working two seasons with the football team, I gained a lot of experience and learned to be in tune with the needs of the position groups I work with. I find it fulfilling to help athletes with any of their needs, from putting a band-aid on a cut to using ultrasound on a chronic injury. Being a familiar face that players trust to turn to for help is what the field of athletic training is all about to me.