Emily Zoltko '17 has been back at her alma mater for one year, serving as one of the athletic trainers for the University of New England.

What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
I hope they learn the balance of treating their physical health as well as their mental health. Mental health is such a stigmatize topic in today's society and it is often overlooked. The amount of stress student-athletes endure is astronomical and I hope I can leave mine with a positive perspective of their overall wellness, as well as support beyond just the athletic training room.

What is the best professional advice you have received; something that you try to apply to each and every day?
Chris Rizzo always tells his athletic training students that "patients don't care how much you know until they know how much you care," and that is what I base my practice on. I like to take the approach of seeing the athlete to be more than just an athlete -- everyone has their own story and comes with more than just their athletic ability. They are students, friends, significant others, young adults, and so on. I am fully invested in my student-athletes and truly wish to support them in anyway I can during and beyond their time at UNE.

What is your favorite physical location on UNE's Biddeford campus?
My favorite place on campus is the Athletic Training Room. Even as a student, I found myself frequently in the AT Room working with my mentors to build my skills and confidence as a student. It has always been a safe place and I am especially thankful for having the opportunity to share that safe space now with my student-athletes.

What memorable moment(s) at UNE do you recall most often?
Two of my favorite memories at UNE as a staff member was watching both of my assigned teams make it to the championship round in their seasons this past season. Both teams exhibited such strength, determination, and hard work, and I'm often so proud to be working with such admirable student-athletes.

Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
Jasmine Honey has been a great supporter to my professional career. She was my preceptor during my senior year at UNE and truly prepared me to be an athletic trainer. She always believed in me and pushed me to be the difference between good and great. I could never thank her enough. The work she puts into our department, the support she shows her student-athletes, and her pure intelligence within the profession make her a great mentor to myself, her student-athletes, and her athletic training students.

What do you enjoy most about UNE?
At UNE, there is a forward thinking community. The faculty and staff are so inclusive and always seeking ways to best serve their students. As an alum,  I personally witnessed the University's enthusiasm and passion to deliver the best collegiate experience to its students.

Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
I've always been interested in sports. In high school, I knew I wanted to help people and found myself working an internship in my athletic training room. I immediately connected with athletes and loved every minute supporting them. I loved having the ability to problem solve. The athletes have always been my reason why.

What activity(s) do you like to do away from campus that helps balance your life?
Away from work, I love spending time with my family. We often visit the beaches and trails of N.H. and southern Maine. I find myself regularly going fishing and chasing sunsets.
 

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Catch up on previous spotlights:
Ed Silva, men's basketball
Danielle Collins, field hockey
Curt Smyth, associate director of athletics
Ashley Potvin-Fulford, women's rugby
Kasey Keenan '02, men's golf
Lyndie Kelley '11, strength & conditioning
David Venditti, women's ice hockey
Carly Gettler, women's soccer
Tristan Durgin '07, sports information
Sue Estabrook, women's lacrosse
Rick Hayes, women's swimming
Patty Williams, assistant director of athletics
Peter Ostergaard, men's soccer