In the realm of sports medicine and student athletic training, Coppell High School's very own Nanaki Matharu is stepping up to the plate. A student in the CHS sports medicine program, Matharu has taken the initiative to create a playbook for student athletic trainers with the manual “The Team Behind the Team: Student Athletic Trainers.” Her goal is to shed light on a program that often operates under the radar, providing a comprehensive resource for current and future student athletic trainers.
"I wanted to give something to the student athletic trainers in the coming generations that may not have had the same resources as me, or are struggling to find their way around the program," Matharu shares.
One of the key focal points in her book is the chapter on heat illnesses, a subject crucial for any aspiring athletic trainer, especially in Texas, where high temperatures and humidity create ideal conditions for such issues. Matharu emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of heat illnesses, which often plague athletes, particularly at the onset of the football season.
The manual also dives into the benefits and challenges of being a student athletic trainer, offering insights that can help aspiring trainers understand what the program truly entails. Not everyone may be suited for this path, and Matharu’s book serves as a reality check while highlighting the rewards and difficulties one may encounter.
Through the process of creating this handbook, Matharu gained an even deeper appreciation for the resilience, grit and teamwork displayed by her fellow trainers. The long hours spent on their feet, sometimes from 2 p.m. until the late hours of the evening, working football games, have honed their dedication and commitment.
"None of the things I do would be possible without them," she says, acknowledging the vital role her team plays in her journey.
Matharu's endeavor also benefited from collaboration with Dr. Marc Silberman, a distinguished sports medicine doctor from New Jersey. His expertise and guidance were instrumental in shaping the manual. Post-publication, she received feedback from her sports medicine coaches, which further fueled her desire to improve the book. Although it's not possible to revise the first edition, Matharu plans to release an updated version with more valuable information in the near future.
Matharu’s passion for creating this handbook is fueled by her desire to give back to a program that has been a source of inspiration and support during challenging times. Matharu's book has already garnered recognition and support from her peers and the Coppell Boys Soccer Team, who stand by her in this remarkable achievement.
As Matharu prepares to graduate from Coppell High School in 2024, her aspirations align with her penchant for helping others. She intends to pursue a degree in nursing, remaining committed to her calling within the medical community. Her journey in the world of sports medicine has not only fortified her knowledge but also instilled the values of dedication, unity, and the power of giving back, qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well in her future endeavors.