MEET IUSD’S ATHLETIC TRAINERS
August 21, 2023
Thanks to leading support from Hoag Orthopedic Institute, IPSF provides ongoing support for athletic trainers at each of the five comprehensive high schools in Irvine. The main focus of the Athletic Trainers is to identify risk factors, prevent injuries, provide appropriate medical treatment, including rehabilitative services and referral support, and detect and correct health problems directly related to athletic performance, such as concussion risks. These services are provided during and after regular school hours and during summer sports camps.
Meet the team:
Irvine High School: Stacey Garcia
“What I like most about being an athletic trainer is being able to have a positive impact on athletes. I enjoy being able to help them throughout their four years and watch them succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in life. It is important for student-athletes to have access to athletic trainers on campus because we help provide a safer environment for sport participation. This school year I am looking forward to meeting all of the athletes and staff that I will be working with.”
Northwood High School: Andy Sepulveda
“I am excited to be starting my 24th year at Northwood. I am very passionate about my job and helping people. When someone is in pain and needs help, I love being able to help them feel better or just be there to help them through their injury. There are so many reasons it’s important for students to have access to athletic trainers on campus, but to sum it up, it’s for their safety! Having trained medical staff present in an emergency situation can literally save a life. We make sure that if an athlete sustains a concussion, they get immediate care and are managed throughout their injury, allowing them to return to their sport when it’s safe.”
Portola High School: Kathryn Geha
“Since 2019, I have loved working within the athletic department to support students with their needs. I discovered my passion for working as a Certified Athletic Trainer through my experiences in my internships in college. I particularly liked the high school setting and knew that was how I would make the biggest difference. I am inspired by being able to assist the student-athletes and watch them return to their sport after injury. This year, I am particularly looking forward to the addition of flag football as our student’s embark in their first season.”
University High School: Julia Cendejas, MS,ATC
“As I enter my first year at University High, I am most looking forward to meeting all the student-athletes and staff. What I love most about being an athletic trainer is helping athletes reach their full potential. I wanted to become an Athletic Trainer to have a positive impact on student-athletes to improve their overall well-being. It is important for Athletic Trainers to be on campus for the safety of the students. Athletic trainers help reduce risk of injury, recognize injury, and provide immediate or emergency care for student athletes.”
Woodbridge High School: Kalli Langsdorf
“I was an athlete in high school that sustained two major knee injuries. Throughout the rehabilitation process I was introduced to the many sides of an Athletic Trainer. This piqued my interest where later in college I took classes and wanted to become a high school Athletic Trainer. For over 11 years, I have enjoyed helping Woodbridge athletes return to their sport after injury and being there for them when they need support.”
Learn More About IPSF’s Commitment to Student Health & Wellness at https://ipsf.net/what-we-do/what-we-support/#health-and-wellness