Jackie be nimble, Jackie be quick, Jackie go save that player quick. This year Freedom Area School District hired a new trainer for the athletic department, Jackie Crytzer. Crytzer decided to become an athletic trainer because, in high school, she had always been athletic, playing mostly volleyball and being a member of the swim team. Along with her love for sports in high school, she had also been interested in the field of medicine. Athletic trainer was the perfect job for Crytzer because she got to combine the best of both worlds into a profession she loves.

Crytzer got her undergraduate degree for athletic training at Northeastern University in Boston and then went for her masters in health and human performance at McNeese State University in St. Charles LA. After achieving her master Crytzer became the head athletic trainer at Tiffin University in Ohio, then worked at Ringgold School District and then for UMPC for two years.

After having so much experience, her favorite part of the job always remains the same, getting players back on the field. “The best feeling ever is being able to see a kid be happy and successful on and off the field.”, Crytzer said. Though it’s not only Crytzer who is enjoying her new job, but the students are as well., “Jackie is awesome. She really knows what she is doing to help the students.”, Freshman Michael Keith said.

Working in a high school setting is a little different then what Crytzer has previously experienced, but she is really enjoying working here so far. The high school setting allows her to connect with students on a more personal level.

“Jackie is very easy to talk to. She is really friendly and always listens to what you have to say either about an injury or a problem” Junior Michaela Muron said. Crytzer is a great addition to the FASD family and plans to keep all the players safe for many years.

After accomplishing so much with her career Crytzer now plans on staying in the area because she wants to make a difference that will last a long time on a lot of levels. Crytzer never even thought as moving to a high school level “as a step down for her career” but instead a chance to help younger kids who really need it.

Youth sports are becoming more competitive and Cryzter wants to do all she can. “These kids have ALS tear at 11 years old and other major injuries because of the competitiveness of youth sports has blown up…Most of these kids don’t have the medical care that is needed at their school, so if I can bring something positive here to a level like this and help somebody have a career in college for sports after high school, I’m going to.” Crytzer said, “ If you are going to expect more of younger youth athletes, then I think they should be exposed to as much medical care and knowledge they can get to prevent them for having devastating injuries.”