Athletic Training Month Student Spotlight Series
Texas State Athletic Training Student Finds Passion, Confidence in HHP Program
Charlcee Cervantez || March 11, 2025
Jasmine Phillips, a Humble, Texas, native, is on track to graduate from Texas State University's Master of Science in Athletic Training program in May 2025, a culmination of a journey sparked by a pivotal conversation and fueled by unwavering support.
Phillips, who earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Pre-Rehabilitation Sciences and a minor in psychology from Texas State, initially wavered between physical therapy and athletic training. A summer conversation in 2022 with Dr. Megan Haynes, a faculty member in the Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP), changed everything.
"She told me she thought I would succeed in Athletic Training and offered to let me shadow her at San Marcos Academy," Phillips said. "After my first football practice with her, I knew Athletic Training was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life."
Phillips chose to stay at Texas State for her master's, citing Dr. Haynes' mentorship and the program's supportive environment.
"Dr. Megan's door has always been open to me," Phillips said, emphasizing the professor's knowledge and dedication. She also credited Dr. Stacey Bender, Ms. Britney Webb, Dr. Nancy Uriegas, and Dr. Carla Heffner for their constant support and open-door policies.
Beyond the HHP department, Phillips highlighted the influence of Aidan Pool, Director of Sports Medicine, and Ryinh Hunter, athletic trainer for women's tennis and spirit teams. "Ryinh encouraged me as a baby level 1 and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone," Phillips said. "When I was in my first semester as a level 2, I worked with Aidan at high school softball and she continued to encourage me and pushed me even further out of my comfort zone."
Her current placement at Seguin High School has provided a rigorous schedule and hands-on experience, allowing her to apply her classroom learning. "This clinical site has been my favorite because Sarah and Chris allow me to take charge of anything that comes through our door or occurs on the field," she said.
At Seguin High School, a typical day for Phillips is anything but typical. Starting early, she assists with treatments, rehabilitation, and modalities before the school day begins. Throughout the day, she works with athletes during their athletic periods, and in the afternoons, she prepares for and covers various sporting events.
"We're constantly juggling baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and powerlifting," Phillips explained. "It's a demanding schedule, but it's given me invaluable experience in managing a high volume of athletes and diverse injuries." She notes that the constant change in schedule has taught her to be flexible and prepared for anything.
Her immersive internship at the University of Hawaii at Manoa provided a unique and enriching experience. "Living in Hawaii for three months and working with their athletic teams was incredible," Phillips said. "I was able to expand my network, learn from different athletic trainers, and experience a different approach to sports medicine."
She worked with a variety of sports, gaining experience in diverse training environments and cultural contexts. The internship allowed her to observe and participate in the management of high-level athletes, further refining her skills and understanding of the profession. Memorable experiences include traveling with the Texas State football team to Baylor University, the Hawaii internship, and a recent emergency response at a softball tournament.
"A young college aged kid had collapsed and was in and out of consciousness," Phillips recounted. “It was the first time I had firsthand experience responding to an emergency and taking everything I had learned in classes from the past 2 years and put it into action.”
These experiences have honed Phillips' skills in triage, patient assessment, and maintaining composure under pressure. "I've learned how to remain calm in the chaos for the sake of my athletes," she said. “From this, I have also immensely grown in my confidence not only as an athletic trainer but also as a person.”
Phillips advises future students to take full advantage of the resources available at Texas State.
"Take advantage of everything you have access to here," she said. "The professors are amazing resources and always want you to succeed. The program is like a big family, so everyone is there to help you. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you need help. Dream big and shoot for the stars and Texas State will help you get there.”