The Kirkwood Community College Eagles have a new athletic trainer in Lacey Tierney.
With degrees from both Coe College and the University of Iowa, Tierney has a strong background in sports medicine. She also worked with Iowa City High as an athletic trainer as part of an outreach program with the University of Iowa prior to joining the Eagles.
“It was pretty comfortable (at Iowa City High), had some differences with some coaches and then ended up here,” said Tierney. “One of my friends used to work here and at Prairie. I asked her if they had filled her job, and she said Kirkwood was hiring.”
This new role provides new challenges for Tierney as she adjusts to a new environment. “I’m not used to working with insurance stuff with athletes since I was working with minors,” she said. “I’m working with adult collegiate athletes, so that’s a different speed. But I got caught up very quickly.”
She added that one of the biggest changes she’s felt in the new position is no longer needing to contact parents of athletes regarding injuries. “It’s weird not contacting adults because they are adults,” she said. “Now I don’t have to contact parents.”
Tierney has already stepped into her role as head athletic trainer and has made a good impression early. Athletic director Todd Rima emphasized how Tierney is off to a good start and that the athletic department is glad to have her.
Tierney described her first two weeks in her position as fantastic. “I didn’t think college kids were really going to be my jam,” she said. “I was very comfortable with high schoolers. I kind of saw myself there forever. I have been very comfortable here”.
“The coaches are fantastic. The students have been fantastic. Todd’s fantastic. The vibes are way better here already.”
She feels the Eagles’ staff has supported her from day one. She emphasized how the environment has helped her with the adjustment and that the coaches trust her more than she was expecting.
Rima said it’s clear even in just her first two weeks that Tierney is excited to fill her role, is passionate about working with the student athletes and has impressed with her communication skills.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have great trainers,” said Rima. “I think Lacey will be the exact same way and just do it in her style.”
He continued, “It’s important because they’re the liaison between the coaches and the athletes, and our goal is for everyone to try and stay healthy and do everything in our power to keep them healthy.”
The primary responsibility of Tierney’s position is injury prevention and treatment.
Rima emphasized the importance of Tierney’s role, adding that her position plays a major role in keeping the athletes healthy not only physically but mentally. He referred to her as the head coach of the training room and said she is just as important as any coach.
Categories: Sports
