INSPIRED BY A LIFE-CHANGING ENCOUNTER with an athletic trainer during her collegiate sports journey, Molly Mattson, ’24, unearthed her true passion and professional destiny. “My athletic trainer was an unconditional source of support and hope. I want to pass on this same compassion and service,” says Molly, a former NCAA student-athlete at Central Washington University, where she excelled in both cross country and track and field. This experience ignited a spark for the field, which was fueled by a mentor impressed by OSU’s Master of Athletic Training (MATrn) program and its “sense of family and standard of excellence.” They encouraged Molly to apply, and she made good on their recommendation. As a student, she discovered transformative support, which has prepared her to make her own impact in the world of athletic training. “Oregon State is a community that challenges me and supports me,” she says, “I belong here, and I’m proud to be a Beaver.” INTERNSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS During summer 2023, Molly gained invaluable practical experience as a summer athletic training intern with the Seattle Seahawks. CJ Neumann, ’09, associate athletic trainer with the Seahawks and a graduate of OSU’s former bachelor’s in athletic training program, served as her preceptor. “Molly was a leader in her group of interns,” CJ says. “She was proactive in taking on tasks, engaged in her work and learning, and asked great questions, all of which displayed her investment in growing as a young professional.” Molly says her internship taught her the importance of building trust in patient-athletic trainer relationships and the power of a strong, supportive culture. A heart on fire for athletic training AN INTERNSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS SOLIDIFIED HER LOVE FOR THE FIELD BY HANNA KNOWLES 10 ▴ College of Health
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==