Madison Walker has promised herself that she would go into the medical field ever since she was younger. She is now Lakeland High School’s new athletic trainer.
When Walker was in high school, she had a herniated disc in her back. She went through physical therapy, got images, and overall did not have a good rehab experience.
When she learned she could have avoided going to the athletic trainer and having a bad experience, she made a promise to herself.
“I vowed that I would get into athletic training and be able to help other people,” Walker said.
When she was younger, she participated in soccer, barrel racing, cheerleading, and track. After high school, she studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
When Walker first entered college, she was in the nursing field. She started her first rotation in the children’s emergency room in downtown Spokane.
“The nurses looked like they hated their jobs,” Walker said, “They were mean to me, so I stopped nursing.”
Overall, Walker’s nursing experience was not what she had in mind, so she switched to athletic training.
“I have gone to a lot of cool places while interning,” Walker said. I also like the moments when I get to help someone.”
The moments of helping someone and them feeling grateful are the most significant reasons Walker chose this career path.
Before Walker came to Lakeland High School, she worked with semi-professional football, bull riding, the Golden Knights, soccer, volleyball, professional baseball, a performance Institute, and professional figure skating.
Her most memorable experience, though, had to be a football game at the old school she worked for. There was a fight on the field, and the ref got caught in the middle and got a horrible gash on his leg that would not stop bleeding. She was applying pressure while the doctor was finding a suture kit, and while sutures were being performed, the football stadium lights went out.
“I am most excited about working at Lakeland High School and continuing to get to know all those athletes,” Walker said, “Everyone has been so welcoming, and I am so excited to build a bond with them and gain their trust.”
Walker also runs MadDog Fitness, where she helps people do rehab and recovery.
“It’s called Mad Dog Fitness Because that was my nickname when I was younger,” Walker said.
Walker is a great addition to the Lakeland staff; she is very welcoming and helps the Lakeland athletes
