March is Athletic Training Appreciation Month, and we are so thankful for our certified Athletic Trainers through our partnership with Wake Med & Wake Orthopaedics, like Sydney Decker, Mallory Wells, and Nick Conde. Get to know them, and make sure to tell all of our athletic training staff thank you!

How long have you been with NCFC Youth, and what did you do before NCFC Youth?

Mallory: I graduated from East Carolina University in 2020 with my BS in Athletic Training. She worked as an athletic trainer in the school system for 2 years before joining the club in 2022.

Nick: I have been full time with the club since 2022. I graduated from East Carolina University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training. I’ve worked at local Wake County high schools, Camp Woodward, Meredith College, Shaw University, NC Courage Pro, along with a lot of other events & organizations.

Sydney: I've been with NCFC since November 2023. I have also worked with the NC Courage in the NWSL, UNC Women’s Soccer, as well as Meredith College, as well as in D1 football and semi-pro rugby. Previous to athletic training I worked in Orthopedic PT and hand therapy, as well as a neuro spine recovery clinic. I am an alumna of Meredith College, graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science in 2013. In May of 2023, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with her Master of Science in Athletic Training.

What is the most rewarding aspect about working in the athletic training field?

Mallory: Seeing and helping an athlete finally get back to the sport they love after injury. The way they light up getting to run back onto the field with no limitations or complete their first game pain free is something you don’t get to see working in other healthcare settings. 

Nick: The most rewarding part of athletic training is helping someone learn skills they can use for the rest of their life even after their playing career is over.

Sydney: I value being able to help athletes through the good and bad times. I also enjoy being someone they trust, their advocate, providing them with a safe space, and educating them on how to care for themselves.

What is your favorite part about working for NCFC Youth?

Mallory: My favorite part of working with NCFC is the wide range of age groups we get to work with. From tiny tots during summer camps to the U23 USL teams; each group brings a different challenge and a variety of personalities. 

Nick: My favorite part about working for NCFC Youth is that we have a diverse and fun staff focused on helping the next generation succeed.

Sydney: I enjoy working with a variety of levels of athletes. It’s great being supported in learning all the medical attributes to keep our athletes in top shape for their performance. 

Is there anything about working as an AT that might be surprising to someone who doesn’t know a lot about the industry? 

Mallory: Athletic Trainers have a very wide variety of healthcare skills and can work in a lot of different settings (broadway, rodeos, sports, clinics, ballet, etc).

Nick: The most surprising fact about athletic trainers is that we aren’t just at sporting events. Athletic Trainers can work for hospitals, labs, factories, brands like Adidas & Nike, and the list goes on. If you can think it, athletic trainers can and probably are involved with it.

Sydney: We do more than tape ankles and hand out water. Most people do not know about all of the behind the scenes work we do as well as our scope of practice for example, emergency care and rehabilitation.

What is a fun fact about you?

Mallory: I’ve known the presidents in the order they were elected/in office since I was in the 1st grade.

Nick: A fun fact about me is that I can kickflip. 

Sydney: I am an Identical twin.