The Power of Showing Up
In honor of Pride Month, throughout June, NATA Now is highlighting members of the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and their impact on the profession.
For Kylea Sheley, MA, ATC, LAT, finding community and creating visibility within the athletic training profession has been at the heart of her volunteer journey.
Currently serving as chair of the District Five LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and as the District Five representative on the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, Sheley said volunteering has provided opportunities to advocate for others while also building confidence personally and professionally.
“I needed belonging and community, but knew I needed and wanted to pour in of myself as well,” she said of what inspired her to give back.
Representation and visibility remain central to her efforts as Sheley understands the impact authentic leadership can have on others. By showing up openly and encouraging honest conversations, she said she hopes to help athletic trainers better understand the experiences and challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals may face.
In this Q&A, Sheley discusses the importance of visibility in leadership, the confidence gained through volunteering and why stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to meaningful connection and growth.
What inspired you to pursue athletic training, and what was the moment you knew this was the profession for you?
I started to become interested in pursuing athletic training in high school. I was always in love with sports and being highly involved with them even though I wasn’t the most athletically gifted. I wanted to play football my senior year but was invited to be the manager instead by the head football coach. Coach Alumbaugh was one of the best things to ever happen to my future. He showed me that I could be respected in a male dominated world and give back to athletics in a totally different way. I could have the best seat in the house and help people, which next to athletics was my second love.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
I first took on the role of LGBTQ chair for South Dakota in District Five when I resided in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I decided to get involved at that time because I wanted to be more forward facing in our profession when I felt like I was the only person in the LGBTQIA+ community in the state of South Dakota. It felt lonely, but I knew there was no way that was the case. I needed belonging and community, but knew I needed and wanted to pour in of myself as well.
Tell us about your current volunteer position and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
I currently serve as chair of the District Five LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and as the District Five representative on the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. I took on these roles to try to continue the great work that has been done in the past with the committee at the national and district level. I wanted to take on this role to help my peers in the profession understand the challenges that LGBTQIA+ athletes and professionals face daily, and how we/they can help navigate things together.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
I believe that visibility matters. I grew up never seeing myself in those who led. I wanted to be able to show those who looked and felt like me growing up an example to be proud of. Making an impact can show up in a variety of ways; being authentically yourself is a form of rebellion in and of itself sometimes. Being authentic in the way I show up for myself and others is impactful; representing others’ voices in a positive, yet truthful manner feels like the best way I can make impact.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Volunteering pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I felt a huge sense of imposter syndrome jumping into some of the volunteer roles that I have, but I have had some mentors who were in these roles previously who’ve supported me wholeheartedly. Professionally, I feel so much more confident to put forward my opinions and push for what feels right in the rooms I sit.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
Going to my first meeting and being passed the torch to take over my role in Orlando – I met so many incredible people and was met with positivity and encouragement. I got to meet so many others who’ve previously served on the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee as well. It’s so amazing to feel a sense of community!
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
Do it! The little voice in your head that tells you that you don’t have what it takes or that you may not have enough skills to do it, just try it. There is so much support around you in these positions to help you along. The people who are equally passionate about serving in volunteer roles will have your back and will connect you with others who have the same passion.
