Santa Barbara celebrates National Athletic Training Month

SANTA BARBARA – March is National Athletic Training Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about how athletic trainers support athletes and their important role in healthcare.

To celebrate NATM, Santa Barbara City College is proud to highlight the work of its athletic training staff. This includes athletic trainers Susan Houlihan-Davis, Joseph Farias, and Julianna Adelman.

Susan Houlihan-Davis
Susan grew up playing soccer and softball, but her interest in athletic training started early as she watched her five older brothers endure various sports injuries.

In high school, Susan noticed that the acting trainer prioritized male athletes, so she took it upon herself to support her fellow female student-athletes.

"I found out that the guys would have to be taken care of before the girls, so we were always late to practice. That didn't sit well with me, so I asked the 'equipment manager' acting as the athletic trainer if he could teach me so I could help the girls get to practice on time," Houlihan-Davis said. "I started to realize that I wanted to make a change. An athlete is an athlete. All athletes need equal access, so that drove me to go to school to become an athletic trainer."

Throughout her career, Houlihan-Davis has been proud to help all SBCC student-athletes return to the sports they love.

Joseph Farias
Joseph grew up on wheels—playing roller hockey, BMX biking, and riding dirt bikes. He played high school football and was a member of the Vaqueros football team as a student-athlete.

While Joseph often created makeshift wraps and tapings for his friends growing up, he had no idea about being an athletic trainer until he came to SBCC.

"I took my first sports medicine class here at SBCC with Susan, and that pretty much set me on my path," Farias said. "It was something that always fascinated me and kept me engaged. My general athletic background and interest in fitness and health allowed me to thrive in the subject. Taking Susan's classes and working in her training room set me on my path and shaped who I am today as a practitioner."

Joseph is proud to continue the legacy of outstanding athletic training that Santa Barbara provides its student-athletes.

"I don't tell her nearly enough, but I'm so lucky that I met Susan and so thankful that she believed in me the way she did as a student and continues to now as her colleague. I hope I have made her proud. She is the reason I became an athletic trainer. Every day is special knowing I get to help continue the legacy of providing the best possible care for our students that she set the foundation for. I'm thankful I get to give back to the school and program that gave me so much."

Julianna Adelman
Julianna is another former Vaquero student-athlete. A former tennis player, Adelman learned about athletic training in high school after battling through some minor injuries.

Her experience as a student-athlete led her to pursue a career as an athletic trainer.

"I had started on the path of pursuing a degree in physical therapy. I then met with my counselor, Kathy O'Connor, who encouraged me to take an athletic training course so I could pursue a bachelor's degree in athletic training. Then, I could work while in physical therapy school. I thought it was a great idea! During the class, I found myself so fascinated with the subject and the anecdotes that Sue shared. I decided to do the work experience class, which allowed me to see the day-to-day operations of an athletic trainer. I then fell in love with it and decided that was my path. I have no regrets and truly enjoy what I do."

Beyond providing physical assistance, Julianna is proud to provide a comfortable environment for student-athletes who need time to emotionally process the effects of an injury.

"I have only been working here for a year and a half, and I hope to continue making our student-athletes feel that our facility is a safe space."

Athletic Training Program
If you want to learn from the SBCC athletic training staff, consider applying to the Athletic Training Program. 

(James Nicholson, SBCC Athletics)