May 15, 2025
The CAATE is proud to recognize the inspiring achievements and dedicated work of Jessica Pierce, DAT, ATC, CES!
How did you become involved with athletic training?
I always wanted to be involved in the medical field and knew for a long time which medical professions I would not enjoy. I met an athletic trainer for the first time in high school and not because I was an athlete. I saw the athletic trainer evaluating an athlete for an injury and quickly learned what an athletic trainer is and how they help patients. I decided at that point to become an athletic trainer.
How did you become involved with the CAATE?
I have been a part of several education programs across my career, both undergraduate and graduate. I have always enjoyed being a part of that process. Because of the interest I showed in education, one of my colleagues encouraged me to consider volunteering with CAATE so I could become more involved with helping in the education of future athletic trainers.
What are some highlights from your athletic training career?
Some of the biggest highlights in my career involve helping patients return to doing what they love. My favorite part is the big smile and visible joy that a patient expresses when they are able to return to their chosen activity for the first time.
What is a highlight from your involvement with the CAATE?
Being a part of the Professional Accreditation Council has been a great experience. A highlight for me is getting to collaborate with a group of people from different places and with different experiences with the same goal to enhance athletic training education.
In your words, how do you believe you are contributing to the CAATE mission?
(The CAATE mission: Serving as a catalyst to advance athletic training education through the promotion of quality improvement, innovation, diversity, and best practices for student recruitment.)
I think that I contribute to CAATE's overall mission by bringing experiences from outside the realm of education and providing information pertaining to clinical experiences and education.
Why do you believe students, faculty, and athletic trainers should become involved with the CAATE?
Being involved in CAATE is a great opportunity to lend your voice and your experiences to shaping the landscape of athletic training education. Whether you're a student, a professional educator, or an active clinician, there is a place for your voice to be heard and for you to help continue to push the landscape of athletic training education forward.
Can you share words of inspiration or a quote about your experience in athletic training or the CAATE?
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new" - Albert Einstein