All at once, any athletic event can quickly become hectic for a trainer. A dislocated elbow, broken clavicle and concussion all at the same time. While trying to hold everyone together, staff trainer Melissa Tice somehow always manages to keep everything in order.

Growing up as an athlete, Tice naturally experienced the brutality and injury that comes with playing sports, particularly volleyball and softball. Seeing the way trainers helped her, her appreciation sparked her passion for sports medicine and training.

“I had a pretty significant injury and I had to deal with an athletic trainer,” Tice said. “So, that’s what kind of got me on that path and interested. I followed it into college and really liked it.”

For seven years, Tice has been a trainer for Main, Harmon and Killough. By teaching her sports medicine class of aspiring trainers and being on the field helping players, Tice finds pleasure in being able to help those in need who might not have access to care outside of school.

“A lot of the time, parents can’t afford to take [students] to the doctor and we’re the only medical care they can get,” Tice said. “I like being able to help somebody’s life like that.”

Having to manage three different schools easily fills up Tice’s schedule. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, she is at Harmon for morning treatments and boys’ soccer practice. She then has to travel to Main for conference and sports medicine class. Depending on the day of the week, Tice works at Killough for fourth period covering softball.

“On the weekends of the days I have off, I try to go do something with my family,” Tice said. “You know, just making the most out of the time that I do have so it makes it a little bit more enjoyable.”

With a crowded schedule, balancing work and personal life can sometimes be a struggle. However, her friends and family have shown nothing but love and support for her career and what she does.

“I think my family is proud that I do something that helps people,” Tice said. “I know they wish my hours were less and I was home more, but I think they are happy I’m doing something in the field I’ve always grown up with.”

Tice’s job goes beyond just healing athletes who have been injured. Not only is she skilled in rehabilitation and care, but she’s a role model for her students. Many in her class seem to develop passions for the field the same way she did when she was younger.

“Her class was one of the reasons why I started to think about going into the medical field,” senior Jayda Arriaga said. “[I’ve] learned so much with her as my teacher and I appreciate everything she continues to do for me and other trainers every day.”

While motivating her students to be the best they can be, Tice still maintains a lighthearted and caring personality.

“She can be tough on us but it’s for a good reason,” senior Maria Leyva said. “She knows we can do better and pushes us to be our better [selves].”