By Lauren Buelow, student writer, UW-Eau Claire News Bureau
Kyle Gibson
- La Crosse, Wis.
- Bachelor of science in athletic training
- What's next: A yearlong internship on the Green Bay Packers sports medicine team
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
Many Wisconsinites dream of touching the turf at Lambeau Field. UW-Eau Claire May grad Kyle Gibson has spent the last two summers in the Green Bay Packers locker room — closer to that Lambeau turf than most Packers fans will ever get.
Gibson, an athletic training major, has had an internship with the Green Bay Packers sports medicine team for the past two summers. Gibson said the experience has been invaluable.
"I learned new things every single day when I was in Green Bay," Gibson said. "I was able to talk with the certified athletic trainers and the team physicians on a daily basis about any medical questions. I was able to learn so much from them."
Travel was also a big part of Gibson's work. Gibson said he did not enjoy much free time, but the deluxe accommodations made up for it.
"It is all first class," Gibson said. "The whole Green Bay organization is first class."
His experience with the NFL wasn't all glamorous, though. Gibson worked 19-hour days for the Packers in treatments, meetings, practices and even administering drug tests.
Gibson attributes his success partly to the leadership skills he has acquired at UW-Eau Claire in the athletic training program, noting he is proud to be a part of such a competitive program.
Gibson will return to Lambeau this May for a yearlong internship with the sports medicine team. He looks forward to gaining more experience in the field and furthering his education in rehabilitative science.
More on Kyle Gibson
Future plans:I have been lucky enough to have had internships with the Green Bay Packers for the past two summers. I will be returning to Green Bay a week after graduation to begin my yearlong internship on their sports medicine team. I would also like to complete a master's degree in rehabilitative science during this time. Long term, I would like to further my education by pursuing a Ph.D. and work for an NFL organization.
Unique aspects of his UW-Eau Claire experience: UW-Eau Claire gave me the opportunity to get an extraordinary amount of experience. I have been part of numerous state and district athletic training associations, which has given me a jump on my professional development. The leadership skills UW-Eau Claire has taught me are invaluable.
What he liked most about his UW-Eau Claire experience: I love the community atmosphere that UW-Eau Claire provides. The professors really care about you and your education. That being said, they also understand when life throws you a curve ball and you need a little extra support.
Highlights of life at UW-Eau Claire: The athletic training program at UW-Eau Claire is very competitive. I would have to say that one of my highlights while attending UW-Eau Claire was getting accepted into the athletic training program.
Proudest college accomplishments: I think my proudest accomplishment is yet to come. I will be taking my Board of Certification exam in the beginning of June. As soon as I pass it, that will be my proudest accomplishment.
Advice for incoming students: Start early! Set goals for yourself and your time here at UW-Eau Claire. Start looking to your future and make a "game plan" for how you are going to accomplish all of your goals.
Learn about other featured May 2009 graduates
