Athletic injuries might be inevitable, but luckily Niles West has an improved sports medicine room with new trainers to help with the recovery process. This year they have new tools and ideas to improve athletes’ recovery time and make it a welcoming space for everyone.

Athletic Trainers Nicole Tinetti and Zain Anjum started working in the athletic trainers’ room during the 2023-2024 school year. Ryan Melligan has been a part of the West athletic training staff for years. This year they brought new equipment and ideas to further improve the room. A fellow from the University of Illinois Chicago Sports Medicine department also checks on injured athletes.

“The athletic department has been nothing but supportive and it’s nice having a good support system and even the boosters being able to get us more things in the trainers. The new tools have been perfect, I love it, and it’s exciting because a lot of times we get to use the equipment that we have. It really does promote healing, not even just the tools but also having the doctor in here. Athletes are getting back to their sports quicker and it’s not just because of the equipment but now it is easier for them to get outside help and have a different medical provider instead of them waiting a couple of weeks to get an appointment,” Tinetti said.

Anjum often researches different equipment to know what works best. The training staff has many ideas and plans to continue to update the room with the best tools.

“Having all these tools gives us the chance to stay away from a cookie cutter approach you know just trying one thing on everyone. Now we are trying different things on everyone because everyone responds differently. So the more tools we have the more people we can help. As our budget increases, we want to slowly chip away at things. And hopefully, we are able to get the newest technology to have in the room,” Anjum said.

Senior and student-athlete Maddux Niedermaier comes to the trainers often either during study hall or after school. He explains what a great space it is and how it has ultimately changed for the better.

“The new equipment is more advanced and it helps out all the athletes now with their injuries. The room is now more organized, higher-tech and more beneficial to everyone. It is been great coming in here now, it’s a very positive environment and I feel very welcome everytime I come in,” Niedermaier said.