Watching the WNBA players sprint across the court, Niles West Alumni Nikoleta Baxevanakis feels the rush of excitement as the game is on its feet. Baxevanakis is beyond grateful to have this experience with the Chicago Sky WNBA team as an athletic trainer intern. “I would describe my experience as incredible and rewarding. To be able to work alongside WNBA players everyday is a dream in itself. I chose the word rewarding because at the end of the season, the players individually thanked us for our help during the season and appreciated the work we did everyday,” Baxevanakis said.

Growing up as an athlete, there is no doubt that the sports community is where Baxevanakis belongs. From playing basketball to soccer, Baxevanakis has spent countless hours playing sports throughout her life. Being able to work with the Chicago Sky team is a dream for a dedicated athlete like her.

As Baxevanakis thrives in the sports medicine field, she is ready to take on new hopes. Baxevanakis just completed her bachelors degree in exercise science in May and is currently pursuing a masters degree in athletic training.  Baxevanakis needed a summer clinical placement as a part of her graduate coursework at North Park University, and no student interns were needed for the summer. However, right before her last day of school, Baxevanakis’s clinical coordinator called to inform her that the Chicago Sky team was interested and asked if she was willing to help. Baxevanakis jumped at the opportunity. “The opportunity kind of came out of nowhere to be completely honest. I wanted to work with a professional sports team, and when the opportunity came about, I couldn’t say no. I have grown up watching players like Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot, so it was an opportunity I couldn’t say no to,” Baxevanakis said.

Baxevanakis was an athletic trainer intern for the Sky team, the WNBA team here in Chicago, throughout their entire season which was from May to September. “I was present at practices, shootarounds, games, and treatment times. As far as responsibilities, I would observe and support the director of sports medicine, the team athletic trainer, and occasionally the team doctors,” Baxevanakis said. Working with Chicago’s very own WNBA team can bring lots of pressure, but for Baxevanakis, there was none as she was confident in her skills. 

As for her schedule, the Sky team has a busy one. “A typical practice day would start around 8am before the players start rolling in. We would be available for pre-practice treatments. Practice would start around 10/11am and then we would be available for post-practice treatments,” Baxevanakis said. There are many responsibilities Baxevanakis takes on to support the team. While watching one of the games on television, viewers can spot Baxevanakis assisting as well as supporting the players on the Sky team. 

Something so incredible is that Baxevanakis was not only able to support the team, but was also able to make memories with each of the players. Baxevanakis cherishes the time she spent with forward Candace Parker as well as forward Azurá Stevens. The moments Baxevanakis has spent with all of the players on the team hold a special place in her heart. “It’s hard to pick a special moment because I felt so grateful to be a part of the team. Each player took their time to welcome me and make me feel a part of the team. If I had to choose, I would pick one of the times that the players are getting hyped in the locker room. Whether it was Z [Azurá] and I singing and dancing to Gunna, or Candace and I rapping to Yes Indeed by Lil Baby, those are the moments I will remember,” Baxevanakis said.

Along with the WNBA team, Baxevanakis shared moments with Sue Bird, who plays for the Seattle Storm and is among the best in the WNBA.

One of the players that Baxevanakis shared a close bond with on the Sky team with is Azurá Stevens. “It was so fun working with Niko. We joked around a bunch but also she was great at learning and using her skills to help me come up with the exercises needed to help me for this season,” Stevens said. 

The Sky team is very appreciative of their athletic trainers that are there to assist them. “I spent a good amount of time with the athletic training staff just working through ways to keep me healthy for the season and that’s exactly what they helped me with this season. Giving me exercises and tools to keep my body ready for the load of the season,” Stevens said. 

All of the players work super hard throughout the season, pushing their limits to lead them to success. “My experience in the W [WNBA] is fun and always pushes me to grow. I’ve been a part of two different franchises and been able to experience two different places. The league is only growing and getting better, so it’s been fun to experience and be a part of that! I’ve always wanted to play professionally, so it’s like a dream come true for me playing in the W [WNBA],” Stevens said. 

Through this experience of working with the Sky team, Baxevanakis gained many new outlooks and much more knowledge. “I learned the ins and outs of a professional sports team and how to manage day-to-day situations as part of the sports medicine staff. More specifically, how to manage injuries and recovery for the players,” Baxevanakis said. This knowledge will ultimately be a helping hand as she is just steps away from building her career. 

Along with working with the team, Baxevanakis traveled with the team. “I traveled with the team to Connecticut for the playoffs. I enjoyed spending time in a new city and experiencing what it’s like to get a playoff win on the road,” Baxevanakis said. 

A profound memory for Baxevanakis was the 2022 WNBA All-Star Weekend, which Chicago hosted.  “I attended the skills competition, three-point shootout, and the All-Star game,” Baxevanakis said. Along with good memories, there are many that stand out to Baxevanakis. “Courtney’s buzzer beater against Minnesota is another good memory. Our entire bench went nuts and the atmosphere in the arena was indescribable,” Baxevanakis said. 

The Sky team ended their season with a record of 26-10 in the regular season, and they made it to the playoff semifinals.

“The season went well despite the ending. We reached new heights as a franchise. I participated in my first All Star game and really enjoyed connecting with the fan base this season. We just didn’t end the season the way I would’ve wanted,” Stevens said. 

Reflecting on the season, Baxevanakis truly lived out a dream of hers. “I had a great time working alongside the athletic trainers who work for the Chicago Sky. They challenged me everyday and I gained a lot of knowledge throughout my time there. They taught me techniques and exercises that we don’t practice as much in class. The staff really encourages their players and helps them maintain their bodies to perform at the highest level. I really learned from the best,” Baxevanakis said.