Walla Walla University athletic trainer Brooke August provides sports medicine services to all WWU athletes. Her goal is to keep them as healthy as possible so that they are able to participate in their respective sport.
“I provide injury prevention, evaluations, taping techniques, rehabilitation, emergency care, strength training and conditioning, and referral to other health care providers in the community as needed,” said August. “If someone gets hurt during a game, I am the one who runs on the field with my trusted fanny pack to evaluate the injury.”
“Brooke has helped me more times than I can remember. She is amazing and I couldn’t be playing at this level without her,” said men’s basketball player Dylan Browning. “During games she has patched up cuts that are bleeding so I can go back into the game and keep playing. Outside of games, she has helped me rehab through several different injuries. Her knowledge and her huge time commitment to the athletes at WWU is outstanding.”
“I am a born-and-raised Washington girl,” said August. “I grew up in Edmonds and graduated from Whitworth University with my bachelor’s degree in athletic training.” Since then, August has been practicing athletic training for 15 years and said that every person and each injury is unique. Year after year she sees new injuries and different kinds of responses to treatment, which she said keeps her on her toes and allows her to continually grow in knowledge and skill.
August shared that athletics has taught her to follow through on what you have committed to no matter how it may feel in the moment. “Failing at a task doesn’t make you a failure, it provides opportunity to grow and become better,” she said.
The work that August has done for WWU athletes and the athletic department has not gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated by both the department and the students.
“Brooke has helped me get through every single season,” said men’s basketball player Michael Isotalo. “I have had injuries every season I’ve been here, and she has done a tremendous job of doing rehab with me and getting me back to a state where I can get back on the court. She always has a positive outlook on things and has helped me stay positive about my injuries even when things look bad.”
When she isn’t working, August enjoys weightlifting, kayaking, and paddleboarding. She also likes to travel and bake. A few fun facts about August:
All-time favorite athlete—Former NFL wide receiver Steve Largent.
Favorite board game—“Things.”
Favorite place to eat in Walla Walla—Tiki Teriyaki.
About WWU athletics
The athletics program at WWU provides the opportunity for student athletes to develop and exercise their athletic gifts, learn leadership skills, build lasting relationships, and grow spiritually. Maintaining a mission-centered program, the WWU athletics program promotes a healthy, balanced life—body, mind, and soul—for their athletes through sport. Athletic opportunities include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. Learn more at uwolves.com.
Posted September 11, 2018
