4 answers
Jessica
Student
Pleasant Hill, California
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get started networking with sports teams?
I’m a senior in high school looking to start networking with sports teams, athletic trainers, and sports medicine physicians. My long-term goal is to work with professional athletes after college, specifically in the NHL or NFL. I’m eager to learn from others’ experiences and career paths, and I would love opportunities to shadow or observe professionals in the field. Any advice on how to get started, connections to reach out to, or stories you’re willing to share would be greatly appreciated.
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4 answers
Sarah Baker
Client Relationship Executive
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
It's great that you're already considering this! Besides what Vianne mentioned, you might want to check out your campus's athletic training program or the recreational sports division. These programs are excellent for learning from people in the field and gaining practical experience. They often offer internships too. This could also help you find a mentor on campus and meet other students with similar goals.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
That's a great goal, and starting to network early is a smart move. Begin small and with intention; there's no need to contact the NFL right away. Try connecting with local sports teams, gyms, athletic trainers, and high school or college sports programs. These are usually more approachable and offer chances to shadow, volunteer, or help with workouts, rehab sessions, or sports events. Even volunteering at youth leagues or camps can help you meet coaches, trainers, and physical therapists who can give advice and open doors to bigger opportunities later.
Another good idea is to use LinkedIn and social media professionally. Follow athletic trainers, sports medicine doctors, and team staff, and interact politely with their posts. When reaching out, keep your messages short, polite, and specific, like, "Hi, I'm a high school student interested in sports medicine. I'd love to learn about your career and ask a few questions if you have time." People often enjoy talking to motivated students, especially if you show real interest.
Finally, look for conferences, workshops, and seminars in sports medicine or athletic training. Even virtual events can help you get started. Your focus now should be on gaining exposure and building relationships, not necessarily finding a paid position. The connections you make through volunteering, shadowing, and asking good questions can lead to internships and mentorships in college, paving the way to working with professional athletes in the NHL or NFL in the future.
Another good idea is to use LinkedIn and social media professionally. Follow athletic trainers, sports medicine doctors, and team staff, and interact politely with their posts. When reaching out, keep your messages short, polite, and specific, like, "Hi, I'm a high school student interested in sports medicine. I'd love to learn about your career and ask a few questions if you have time." People often enjoy talking to motivated students, especially if you show real interest.
Finally, look for conferences, workshops, and seminars in sports medicine or athletic training. Even virtual events can help you get started. Your focus now should be on gaining exposure and building relationships, not necessarily finding a paid position. The connections you make through volunteering, shadowing, and asking good questions can lead to internships and mentorships in college, paving the way to working with professional athletes in the NHL or NFL in the future.
Tracy Reinhardt
Human Resources / Corporate training / Preventative health
5
Answers
Land O' Lakes, Florida
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Hello!
It's wonderful that you know what you want to do as a career.
I encourage you to reach out to your local college or university, and consider connecting with local non-profits like the YMCA or YWCA. Speaking with professionals in your desired field can be incredibly helpful.
While working full-time, I started teaching group fitness classes part-time. This led to a side job as a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I also applied for a part-time position at a well-known local university and was hired. At the university's Recreation Center, I saw how it sometimes collaborated with the Athletic Center. Many students I worked with went on to have successful careers in professional sports associations. Besides helping people get fit, careers in physical therapy and recovery are also in demand to support athletes with rehabilitation and strength training.
It's wonderful that you know what you want to do as a career.
I encourage you to reach out to your local college or university, and consider connecting with local non-profits like the YMCA or YWCA. Speaking with professionals in your desired field can be incredibly helpful.
While working full-time, I started teaching group fitness classes part-time. This led to a side job as a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I also applied for a part-time position at a well-known local university and was hired. At the university's Recreation Center, I saw how it sometimes collaborated with the Athletic Center. Many students I worked with went on to have successful careers in professional sports associations. Besides helping people get fit, careers in physical therapy and recovery are also in demand to support athletes with rehabilitation and strength training.
Alison Dickey
HR Manager
3
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
What a great goal to work towards.
As you are looking at colleges I would see if any of have a sports medicine program that allow you to get experience as a student. Many D1 schools have opportunities for student trainers to work directly with their sports teams. As you're working with these teams network as much as possible. Trainers will go up to the NFL/NHL from these programs and often look to take those they have worked with them.
If your goal is work with a professional team I would also think about all of the areas that make up a sports team. If you have an interest in food- you could look into being a Registered Dietitian. If you have an interest in numbers- many teams need statisticians and analysist. There are many paths you can go down. Again, seeing how this plays out at your own college could help determine what path is best for you.
What a great goal to work towards.
As you are looking at colleges I would see if any of have a sports medicine program that allow you to get experience as a student. Many D1 schools have opportunities for student trainers to work directly with their sports teams. As you're working with these teams network as much as possible. Trainers will go up to the NFL/NHL from these programs and often look to take those they have worked with them.
If your goal is work with a professional team I would also think about all of the areas that make up a sports team. If you have an interest in food- you could look into being a Registered Dietitian. If you have an interest in numbers- many teams need statisticians and analysist. There are many paths you can go down. Again, seeing how this plays out at your own college could help determine what path is best for you.