What’s the Word: A conversation with Director of Sports Medicine, William Word

March is recognized as National Athletic Trainers Month. To get a better idea of how important team doctors are as it pertains to the health of student-athletes, Southern University Athletic Director of Sports Medicine, William Word, was able to provide context on a variety of issues in the world of sports medicine.
Word began his tenure on the Bluff last August. As the head athletics trainer, Word oversees ‘all matters related to the health and medical welfare of SU’s student-athletes,’ according to the Department of Athletics Policies and Procedures Manual.
Word made it clear that there is nothing more important to him and his staff than the health of over 350 student athletes under his care.
“I think that one of the main things that I see is that a lot of student athletes have to learn is how to take care of their body. One thing I have tried to implement since I have gotten here this past August was just how [an athlete is supposed] to take care of their body.”
Word went on to place emphasis on some of the daily things student-athletes under his care do in order to take care of their bodies. “Nutritional habits, stretching, and ice baths; different things like that will help with the longevity of a career.”
With sports being considered a popular component of Southern University by most, many students also have strong thoughts on the topic of player health.
A freshman Civil Engineering major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kedrick James, added to the discussion when asked what he thinks college athletes actually do to stay healthy. “The most serious athletes [have] healthy diets and food balance to keep their bodies fit and in shape,” James shared.
Word shared similar sentiments by adding that a healthy focus on nutrition coupled along with working out regularly are all integral parts of maintaining longevity in the world of sports.
As a collective, the Southwestern Athletic Conference is not highly regarded when it comes to sports medicine.
Word was able to gather a perspective of SWAC sports medicine back in 2015. “I got my Master’s Degree from Louisiana Tech University, and Southern came up to play us in football, and we didn’t know if there was going to be an athletic trainer, students, or doctors coming whatsoever. So I knew there was a bad reputation for athletic trainers in the SWAC because of what I had seen from the outside looking in from a bigger institution.”
Now representing the opposing sideline, Word made sure to give SU’s coaching staff credit for believing in the programs he has in place. “That’s one thing we are blessed with at Southern; a lot of phenomenal coaches that trust us. I made sure that as I got here, the first month or so, to sit down with every Head Coach here and sit down and let them know what my vision was.”
The rest of the Sports Medicine staff at Southern University is comprised of Assistant Director of Sports Medicine Ben Huver and Sports Medicine Intern Mirtho Phanor.
Southern University Sports Medicine recently released a Twitter post stating that they are currently seeking more intern athletic trainers for the 2018-19 season.
Applicants are asked to send a cover letter, resume and list of three professional references to [email protected].
To keep alert on all things SU Sports Medicine, follow them on Twitter, @SUSportsMed1.