In honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May, NATA Now is highlighting some of our Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders at the state, district and national levels.
Injuries haven’t precluded Alika Asing, ATC, CSCS, from becoming the athletic training leader he is now.
Asing said he dealt with injuries in his youth, but since encountering athletic training in college, his passion for treating others also experiencing pain has propelled him in his career.
“I took an introductory athletic training class in college and loved it from that moment,” he said. “I found out that there was a career that was so interesting, since I played sports as a youngster and did have injuries that I dealt with.”
Asing has taken his career to the next level, not only equipping his student athletes in the secondary school and collegiate settings, but also serving in state leadership as vice president of the Hawaii Athletic Trainers' Association.
“It’s awesome to share your knowledge with your athletes,” he said.
Asing said even after experiencing a severe bicycle accident Jan. 24, 2024, volunteering has helped him give back to athletes looking to improve themselves.
“In that accident, I fractured my right cheek bone, my lumbar vertebrae, my wrist and tore my hip flexor,” he said. “The most serious injury was my brain bleeding on the right side of my head.”
Asing said in this three-week concussion ordeal, he learned how to cope with his limitations and exemplify endurance to his high school patients.
He sheds further light on his tenacious care of patients against all odds as well as his impact on the profession.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
It was working with the Hula Bowl here in Hawaii, which was a college football program set up for college graduates to showcase their skills in front of some very well-known college coaches as well. The few athletic trainers on the island got me involved in the program and it was such a great experience for all of us, especially since, being in Hawaii, we don’t get much of the wide collegiate exposure.
Tell us about your previous experience as vice president of the Hawaii Athletic Trainers' Association.
My involvement with the Hawaii Athletic Trainers' Association was great. My presentations to HATA were an awesome way to give back to the generations involved. Also, meeting people from other districts was a great opportunity to see that we all have the same drive to be better at what we do.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
It was great to be a part of a group of people who inspire the younger generation to be active and willing to help each other become great leaders. The involvement helps the profession grow in a positive direction and sets up our future leaders as well.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Personally, volunteering has helped me to give back to those athletes looking to improve themselves. It gave me a sense of confidence from the skills I have learned, and I have seen it help others. Professionally, it has given me the experience to work at a high level of care. Having volunteered at many different events, it has stayed with me for more than 30 years of my professional life.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
I think with all my years of serving, I have learned how to better communicate with the many people I have met, whether they are an athlete, parent, coach, administration, colleagues or younger siblings. I have a great sense of showing them our Aloha spirit – giving care.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
Inspire others and have the willingness to communicate togetherness. Express your need to care and your desire to make a difference. Put in time to work at something that could make a difference!
