GREENSBORO, N.C. – Stephen Borchik is in his sixth year at UNC Greensboro (UNCG).
 
A graduate of South Florida, Borchik has gone from intern to an assistant athletic trainer, working with the Spartan women's soccer and men's tennis programs.
 
"The two things I enjoy the most about being an athletic trainer especially at the collegiate level is the opportunity to impact young people in a positive way and see them grow and mature through their athletic and academic experience," Borchik said. "I've been fortunate to see multiple four-year student-athletes succeed in their sport and put themselves in a position academically or athletically to have a successful career both in or after sport, and it certainly makes the long hours we put in worthwhile."
 
Borchik also interned with his alma mater as part of the SMART Institute in 2014-15.
 
National Athletic Training Month is held every March 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.
 
"I think what's special about the profession is we are one of a handful of medical personnel who truly build close relationships with our patients," Borchik said. "We see some of our student-athletes five to seven days a week for weeks, months, or even years which is unlike most other providers. For better or worse, we see quite a bit of the ups and downs and are often an outlet for our student-athletes for the issues they may experience but are still fortunate enough to see them face challenges and grow with that experience."