Serving the Best of Two Worlds
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, NATA Now is highlighting some of our leaders at the state, district and national levels as they share insight into their volunteer journeys.
Monica Kraack-Martin, MPE, LAT, ATC, watched her oldest sister, then a senior in high school, pursue her interest in athletic training as a career. While her sister didn’t continue her search, Kraack-Martin researched the profession further.
Back in her youth, Kraack-Martin played sports, she said. So, while gaining more insight into athletic training, she loved not only the athletic side, but also the patient care aspect of the profession.
“Athletic training combined both sports and medicine perfectly, plus I get the best seat in the house,” Kraack-Martin said.
Kraack-Martin works in the secondary school setting, where she prepares student athletes for their return to sports. She also serves as Idaho Athletic Trainers’ Association’s first vice president, leading efforts to advance the state association and profession.
Read on as she gives further insight into her passion for and service to the profession.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
I was the Idaho Athletic Trainers’ Association Scholarship Committee chair for two years. My teaching position and personal life provided enough stability that I knew I could comfortably begin devoting more time to athletic training. I volunteered to fill the scholarship position when it was vacated, which has enabled me to also support the state of Idaho
Tell us about your current position as Idaho Athletic Trainers' Association vice president and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
There have been many talented Idaho athletic trainers in NATA, the Northwest Athletic Trainers’ Association and IATA leadership. I felt it was my duty to add to their accomplishments, and I hope I have done that in my role as vice president. As a leader of IATA, I hope to make committee chairs and leadership positions easier for all individuals involved to ensure greatness in the coming years. I encourage board members or chairs to seek help from me with anything they might be working on. I’m also currently in charge of apparel and possibly other merchandise sales. This is the first time that Idaho has had a vice president. So, I hope to establish clearer responsibilities for this position and to fill where there is a need.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
It all starts at the top. I want to be a leader who offers solutions to problems and works with all involved to get things done. I will strive to continue the excellent legacy at the state level of athletic training and hope to someday be a leader at the district level. I am a leader who encourages all to contribute so our organization can continue to thrive. So, it’s leading by example. Leadership is important to the profession because it allows people to be part of the organization that does so much for their careers, and it does take many people involved to continue the work of previous people in leadership roles. I feel that we need everyone to contribute in some way or another to keep our organization thriving.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Personally, I had an excellent example in volunteering from my father. He was a volunteer fireman in our small community for over 28 years. He was nervous to step out of his comfort zone but his need to serve and make a difference for his neighbors overcame all odds. Like my father, I had serious doubts about holding a state leadership position, but you never know until you try, and I am amazed at what I have achieved. Personally, my self-esteem has soared, which has resulted in my being a more poised, confident professional. Professionally, I felt I needed to get my foot in the door and get comfortable with helping the organization. I hope that athletic trainers around the state can see me as a resource and someone who can support them in any way possible.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
Two things stand out and one is the Hit the Hill day, which was held in February. It can be a very nervous experience meeting members of congress and the senate, but it’s also exciting to see the confidence level grow as AT students interact with government officials and other certified athletic trainers while advocating for their profession. I also have wonderful memories of our state meetings. I love traveling throughout the beautiful state of Idaho and socializing with other athletic trainers not only about topics pertaining to our craft, but how we are progressing and thriving in our private lives as well.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
Just do it! For me, it became increasingly difficult to watch others step up and serve with IATA while I stood by making excuses to avoid contributing myself. I finally realized I couldn’t complain about the outcome if I wasn’t there for the process. I realize that everyone in the organization wants it to be successful and nothing is accomplished alone. I understand that everything I do today to promote the profession of athletic training can only ease the way for all those coming after me. It’s why I am proud to be the IATA vice president and why I am honored to serve.
