June 24, 2026 - Behind every successful student-athlete in Duval County Public Schools is a constant presence working to keep them healthy, safe, and performing at their best.

Duval County’s certified athletic trainers play a crucial role behind the scenes — supporting athletes through conditioning, injury prevention, and recovery while helping prepare them for competition at the next level.

“I think having a certified athletic trainer on campus does a lot for the kids,” said Kevin Rapp, athletic trainer at Baldwin Middle-Senior High School. “A lot of us are kind of one-man, one-woman shows.”

That responsibility often stretches far beyond the sidelines. Athletic trainers provide daily care, monitor injuries, and help student-athletes return to play safely—serving as both medical professionals and trusted mentors.

For Blake Mace, athletic trainer at Englewood High School, building that trust is one of the most meaningful parts of the job.

“The most rewarding part is knowing that the athletes feel they have a safe space to come to for their injury,” Mace said. “I feel like it improves student-athlete safety and care by having everything managed here.”

While their work is rooted in physical health, many trainers say the emotional connections they form with students are just as impactful.

“When something good happens, you’re the first to get that high five,” Mace shared. “You are the first to see that smile—and you know it’s real. You love that feeling.”

At Mandarin High School, head athletic trainer Ashley Mallory emphasizes preparing students for what comes next—whether that’s collegiate athletics or beyond.

“My day goes far beyond the practices and the games,” Mallory said. “I’m preparing these kids to be treated at the Division I level for athletics, so I treat my training room like a Division I athletic training room. I think giving them that experience sets them up for success at the next level.”

It’s a level of care and attention that often goes unnoticed by those outside the athletic program—but one that plays a vital role in student success.

Team Duval News spoke with three athletic trainers from across the district to learn more about their day-to-day work and the passion that drives them.

Watch the interviews below to hear their stories and see firsthand the impact they have on student-athletes across Duval County: