GREENSBORO, N.C. -- National Athletic Training Month is held every March in order to spread awareness about the important work of athletic trainers. "Essential to Health Care" is the theme of this year's National Athletic Training Month, which is sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), a not-for-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas.
 
Maggie McDonald is in her second year as a graduate assistant at UNC Greensboro (UNCG). A Michigan State graduate, McDonald works with the Spartan softball program. Prior to UNCG, McDonald worked at The Ohio State University as a Cheerleading and Dance athletic training intern.
 
She also worked with the Michigan State baseball, track & field/cross-country, and men's basketball programs. McDonald was also a teaching assistant in first aid and personal safety.
 
"What I enjoy about being an athletic trainer is also what is so special about the profession," McDonald said. "Being able to help our student athletes get back to playing the sport they love after an injury is very rewarding. To be with them through the whole recovery and rehab process, to be with them through all their lowest lows and highest highs, and to watch them come out on top is special."