Jasmine Honey has been an athletic trainer at the University of New England for five years. The Great Pond, Maine native holds degrees from Bridgewater College (Va.) and Northwestern State University (La.).

Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
I stumbled across athletic training my senior year of high school, and immediately fell in love with it. It's a demanding career, and I've had to make many sacrifices for it, but I wouldn't have it any other way. This profession is so special because of the relationships you make with your athletes. Those relationships, along with watching my kids succeed (in sports and life), is what keeps me in it. I really can't picture myself doing anything else.

What is your favorite physical location on UNE's Biddeford campus?
I would have to say the athletic training room. I feel like it's a safe space for our student-athletes to come, and I enjoy helping them with whatever they need, whether it be physical treatment or just listening to their problems. 

What do you enjoy most about UNE?
I enjoy the fact that the University is focused on making sure our students are successful, not only while they are with us, but also in their lives after they graduate. 

What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
How to be good humans. By that, I mean how to be compassionate and caring, both to themselves and to others. Life is hard sometimes and we all need to help each other through it.

What memorable moment(s) at UNE do you recall most often?
Every time one of my teams wins a championship. Also, having great life discussions with Coach Silva after basketball camps (if you haven't had one, you're missing out!).

What is the best professional advice you have received; something that you try to apply to each and every day?
Once you think you've learned all you can or you think that you can't improve, you need to get out of the profession. Our profession is demanding and constantly changing based on new research. If you are burnt out or think you know it all, you are not helping yourself or any of your athletes.

Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
My good friend Dr. Allen Snook (current AD at Cedar Crest College). He and I worked together for four years at Pfeiffer University, and I credit him with making me the athletic trainer that I am today. 

What activity(s) do you like to do away from campus that helps balance your life?
I enjoy reading, cooking, and working on craft projects. I also make sure to make time for self-care, whether it be a spa day, meditating, or getting out and exercising. I'm constantly on the go so setting aside time to unwind and recharge is very important. You can't take care of others without also taking care of yourself. 
 

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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
Emily Zoltko '17, athletic trainer
Charlie Burch, men's lacrosse