Kayja Radcliff

I am currently a senior at the Booker T Washinton High School and also dual-enrolled at Georgia State University. I am an active member of multiple extracurricular activities such as HOSA, Debate, BETA Club, National Honors Society, Emory Pipeline, American Explorer, Westside Ambassador, JustGeorgia, Early College, Georgia State Mentor-Mentee Program, Head Student Athletic Trainer, Track and Field, and Cross Country. As a freshman in high school, I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. It wasn’t until I became a Student Athletic Trainer that I realized that was the best occupation for me. Being a trainer gave me excitement. I truly gained a passion for everything from taping ankles to learning about different cuts, injuries, as well as how to treat injuries. After my first season being a trainer, I knew that this was a career I wanted to pursue. I joined a program called The Wounded Buzz at Georgia Tech University. They taught us different techniques for taping, and how to assess a muscle injury. Going into my sophomore year I was given the position of Head Student Athletic Trainer. I would teach taping skills, and how to use equipment in the training room. Due to my efficiency and dependability, my teacher and trainer, Mandie Lozano, gave me the opportunity to be the assistant trainer for the Cam Newton 7v7 football team. In the summer of my junior year, I traveled with Cam Newton and his 7v7 football team to different tournaments across the states and grew many bonds with the coaches. It was the best opportunity and learning experience I could’ve asked for. I’ve trained players that have gone D1 and also players that have gotten drafted into the NFL. These experiences have fed my passion and serve as the reason why I will be going to college to become an Athletic Trainer and Health/Physical Education Teacher.