Every spring, some of LSU’s finest athletic training students apply to the many semi-pro and professional leagues across the country. We have been very fortunate in placing some students in these summer and pre-season training camps. Some graduate assistants have gone on to fill internship positions as well as acquire full-time jobs at this level. The LSU Athletic Training Staff would like to thank all semi-professional and professional teams that have given our students and graduate assistants the opportunity to experience and appreciate the amount the hard work that goes into maintaining the health and well-being of the professional athletes.
Stephanie Bell — Houston Comets (2001)
“Having the Opportunity to enhance my Athletic Training experience with the 3 time National Champion, Houston Comets, was a wonderful experience, which taught me the necessary keys to be successful in this profession. I am truly grateful and honored for the opportunity to work with athletes and an organization of such high caliber.”
John Burnside — Carolina Panthers (2004-05)
“The NFL was a great experience professionally that allowed me to grow as an athletic trainer and make many new contacts along the way.”
Lance Champagne — Philadelphia Eagles
(2001)
“Being an intern for the Philadelphia Eagles was a very positive experience. Getting a chance to see how things are run in a different setting and on a different level will help me as I pursue a career in Athletic Training. The hard Work involved was well worth the time spent there.” – Lance Champagne, Summer 2001
Jace Cobb — Chicago Bears
“During my time with the Chicago Bears, I learned an endless amount from a very knowledgeable athletic training staff. Being able to enhance my skills as an athletic trainer through such a tremendous organization was a privilege that I will never forget. My entire experience of working on the professional level is an opportunity that I will always be grateful for.”
Cory Couture — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-03)
“I have been extremely blessed and privileged to have the opportunity to work with the World Championship. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Working with the Buc’s, I was able to learn a whole new system and meet several very influential people. I was also able to experience the differences between athletics at the Division I level and the Professional level. Working two different training camps allowed the staff to provide me with a little more responsibility my second year, which helped me tremendously to develop my leadership capabilities. One of several highlights of my experience was when the team traveled to Tokyo, Japan to play in the American Bowl. Traveling to a different country was a remarkable experience and I will never forget it.”
Chico Dupas — Seattle Seahawks
(2001)
“My internship with the Seattle Seahawks presented me with a number of positive experiences. I was able to see the diversity in management between Division I and Pro Football. It also allowed me to venture off to surroundings that are entirely different from my hometown. It is because of this that I feel more competent and eager to explore job opportunities outside Louisiana. In addition, with any change in atmosphere, there is a change in philosophy. I learned so many different treatment and rehabilitation techniques. For this reason, I would recommend any dedicated student trainer to apply to a professional team; or Seahawks to be more specific.”
Craig Fafara – Pittsburgh Steelers
“Having the chance to work with an NFL team was a once in a lifetime experience for me that I could not pass up. If I had the opportunity to go back again, I would. The athletic training staff that I was fortunate enough to work with taught me a lot and helped me grow as an athletic trainer. My experience with the Steelers may have helped me get to LSU, but the lessons I learned and contacts I made there will be with me for the rest of my career.”
Jason Johnson — Atlanta Falcons
“I was fortunate enough to spend two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. I believe that had it not been for my undergraduate experience at West Virginia University and my graduate assistantship at LSU I would not have been prepared for the demands of working in the NFL. Had it not been for the staff at LSU I feel that I never would have gotten the opportunity to work with the Falcons. My experience in the NFL allowed me to expand my personal and professional network and enhanced my Athletic Training education. I would recommend that anyone who has such an opportunity to take it.”
Josh Koch — Tennessee Titans (2001)
“Having the chance to work in the NFL and for a great organization such as the Tennessee Titans was a once in a life time opportunity. The ability to see the athletic training profession in a different light from the Division I college setting was a valuable learning experience. As a Certified Athletic Trainer I am grateful for this opportunity and hope to have more experiences similar to this in the future.”
New York Jets (2004-05)
“Having the opportunity to be a Seasonal Assistant Athletic Trainer with the New York Jets has been a wonderful privilege. I was able to learn the intricacies of an NFL organization throughout a full season, as well as see yet another approach to treating and working with athletes. This position offered the ability to work with, and meet some of the best athletic trainers in the world. This was an experience that I will take with me in all my future endeavors both on and off the field.”
Marco Mastrangelo — Washington Redskins (2000-02)
“I have had the fortunate opportunity of working with the Washington Redskins for three years. Two years in the capacity of a summer intern and my third year as the season-long intern. In that time, I experienced many aspects of athletic training that I have never been exposed to. I was also able to establish contacts and friendships in the NFL that I still keep up with today. Overall, the experiences I had expanded my horizons as an athletic trainer and have made me a better professional today.”
Stephen Melancon — New York Giants
“My time with the New York Giants was a tremendous learning opportunity. I am grateful for the privilege to have worked with such an experienced athletic training staff. It has served as a great networking platform and an even greater clinical experience. My time spent there can only enhance my future in the athletic training profession and is something that I will never forget.”
Greg Penczek — Chicago Bears (2003)
“My time spent working with the Chicago Bears was an invaluable experience. This opportunity taught me valuable skills and showed me that work ethic and responsibility are key aspects to success on any level of athletic training. GEAUX BEARS!”
Jonathan Ratliff — Atlanta Falcons (2001)
“I believe the opportunity to work with an athletic training staff at the professional level was invaluable. One of my original goals as a student athletic trainer was to work at the professional level with either baseball of football. This experience allowed me to see what being an athletic trainer in the NFL is like on a day to day basis. I hope that one day I have the opportunity to return to work in the NFL.”
Jeff Smith — Kansas City Chiefs (2002-03)
“I feel having the opportunity to work with the Kansas City Chiefs as a student intern during the 1998 & 1999 pre-season and as an Assistant Athletic Training Intern for the 2002-2003 season was a positive learning experience. These positions enhanced my athletic training education and prepared me for positions as an athletic trainer for the 2003 Barcelona Dragons of the NFL-Europe League, and currently as the Head Athletic Trainer at Nicholls State University. I feel very fortunate to have such of a diverse athletic training background. These opportunities not only exposed me to different systems and protocols of sports medicine but also increased my professional network and contacts.”
Barcelona Dragons (2004-05)
Rand Stover — Pittsburgh Pirates
Matt Verret — Chicago Bears (2001)
“Working with the Chicago Bears was one of the most positive experiences of my life. While there, I was able to see the similarities and differences between a professional and Division I collegiate program. Working with their sports medicine staff helped me to narrow my goals and refocus on them. It was an experience that I will never forget and hopefully I will have the opportunity to work with them again in the future.”
Patrick Whitley — Miami Dolphins (2004)
“It was an invaluable experience that every person should have if they are interested in this level of the field. Working with the Miami Dolphins exposed me to many ways of doing things plus different theories of thought which will only broaden my knowledge base. This opportunity has further developed me into a better student and as future certified athletic trainer.”