Athletic Training Month Student Spotlight Series
Texas State Student Athlete Trainer Forges Path, Finds Family in Program
Charlcee Cervantez || March 19, 2025
Natalia Garcia, a first-generation college student from Bryan, Texas, is navigating the demanding world of athletic training at Texas State University, finding both challenge and reward in the process.
Garcia, a member of the inaugural 3/2 cohort, earned her Exercise and Sports Science pre-rehabilitation degree in fall 2024 and is now pursuing a Master of Athletic Training, with an expected graduation in spring 2026. Her journey to Texas State was driven by a desire for independence and her mother's encouragement.
"Attending Texas State University was a no-brainer because I needed to get away from home," Garcia said. “I needed to find myself and learn how to live on my own. My mom also pushed me to come here; she wanted me to experience more than she did.”
Her passion for athletic training ignited in high school, where she served as a student trainer. Despite facing doubts and challenges, Garcia credits her support system—family, friends, and professors—for her resilience. The Department of Health and Human Performance has played a crucial role in her development.
"I enjoy being taught by all of my professors. All of them have believed in me and my abilities to succeed in this profession," Garcia said. "It is hard, and it is not meant to be easy. But they are all willing to help me through school and even life after I leave TXST."
She highlighted Dr. Megan Haynes as a significant mentor. "One professor I grew very fond of is Dr. Megan," Garcia said. “She has taught me so much throughout my time here and has taught me not only how to be a good athletic trainer but a human as well. I was able to work with her on multiple occasions, and she is someone I look up to and aspire to be one day.”
Garcia’s daily routine is rigorous, balancing classes with clinical site responsibilities and homework. Her fall placement with the softball team was particularly meaningful, as she had played the sport in her youth.
"My fall placement was at softball. Softball has and will always hold a special place in my heart," she said. “That was my first rotation, the girls and coaches were amazing, and my preceptor was also great. She drilled me to be more confident and be okay with failing, as that is something I have struggled with.”
A memorable experience was participating in an athletic training summer camp counselor retreat, which included team-building activities and a hike. "While I was hesitant at first, it ended up being one of my all-time favorite experiences in my life thus far," she said.
Garcia has learned to embrace failure as a part of growth. "Some new insights I have gained are it is OKAY to fail," she said. "While failing is a hard pill to swallow, it allows for mistakes to be made and to be corrected."
As graduation approaches, Garcia's future plans are open. "My future is still TBD," she said. “I do not know what setting I want to work in, but I am open to anything. I want to experience various settings to allow versatility.”
For future athletic training students, Garcia offers advice rooted in her own experiences. "I would say give yourself grace," she said. “Know that it is okay if you are not the best in everything, and you aren’t going to know everything. Just try your very best. Make the most of your time in the program by doing your best and get to know people – especially professors. Networking is very big in this field, so the more you step out and get to know others, the more of an opportunity you can get post-graduation.”
She emphasized the supportive nature of the program. "The professors are great and very encouraging," Garcia said. “There have been many times I have gone to them feeling so defeated, but when I walk out of their door, I leave feeling hopeful.”