Meet Julie Rudy, Carrillo’s new athletic trainer
New athletic trainer Julie Rudy (Photo: Matt Anderson, The Puma Prensa)
By Matt Anderson, staff writer, Sebastian McCarthey, staff writer
After three years of searching, Maria Carrillo High School finally has the athletic trainer they’ve been looking for. Meet Julie Rudy, the newest member of the Puma community. After beginning her tenure at MCHS on March 1, Rudy has begun to familiarize herself with her new environment over the past month. While this is her first time working at a high school, it should be noted she is in no way a rookie, having been a certified athletic trainer for the past 16 years at Sonoma State University.
Rudy is one of the busiest people on campus. Since she’s arrived, she’s spent most of her time taking inventory, budgeting, planning for next year, setting her means of communication, and cruising around as many athletic practices, games, and events as she can. Despite her hectic schedule, she understands the importance of her role here at MCHS and knows that giving athletes the attention and care they deserve is the top priority.
“I want people to know that I am an advocate for the health, well being, and safety for the student athlete,” Rudy said. She was sure to mention that as a former multi-sport athlete all the way through college, she is more than ecstatic to help people just like herself. Unfortunately the seniors at MCHS drew the short straw in that they will only have an athletic trainer available to them for the last several weeks of their high school career. This after only having access to the schools old athletic trainer for a few months way back in 2020 before sports were shut down. But Rudy still wants to be influential to the class of 2023 before they head off. “For the seniors, for as much time as I get to spend with you guys, I’ll give you all tools to take with you at those next steps. Let’s pack the tool box now and see what we can do,” Rudy said. In order for students to take advantage of this, they should visit her in her room located just to the right of the boys locker room. “All are welcome,” she said.
It’s thrilling news to most athletes that we once again have an athletic trainer on staff. “As someone who has dealt with in-game injuries, I am very excited to have an athletic trainer. Aside from major injuries, getting banged up is part of sports, so it is a relief,” said senior Brady Williams, a baseball player here at MCHS. Athletes are happy that the school is recognizing after a three year absence that athletic trainers are absolutely necessary to a school's sports programs.
As Rudy settles into her new post, she wants to emphasize again the relationship she wishes to have with MCHS athletes. “I’m not a coach, I’m not a parent, I’m not an administrator. I am simply here for your well being,” she said. She understands the commitment and stressful nature of high school sports and wants athletes to know that there is no risk in visiting her for help.
MCHS is fortunate to have her and welcomes the positive impact on Puma athletes she’ll have for years to come.