Meet the Titans Athletic Trainer: Koleman Brown

Behind every successful athlete is someone helping keep them healthy, strong, and ready to perform. At Terra State, that person is Koleman Brown, the Titans’ athletic trainer. In his first year with the program, Koleman has brought energy, passion, and a deep commitment to caring for the whole athlete — mind and body alike.

From pre-practice prep to post-game recovery, he’s quickly become a trusted presence in the training room and on the sidelines. We caught up with Koleman to learn more about his journey, his approach to athlete care, and what it’s been like stepping into his first season with the Titans.

Can you share a little about your background and how you got started in athletic training?

I am Koleman Brown. I’m 24 years old and grew up in a small town in Ohio called Wapakoneta. I have grown up in the athletic world and have played nearly every sport there is to play. I always like to say that if you can dribble, pass, run, or shoot, I’ve played it. I specialized in football, which I competed in for 10 years, and wrestling, which I competed in for 14 years and competing nationally for 6 years.

I got into athletic training when I was about 14 years old. I had always been a lifelong athlete and have always loved the athletic world. So, when I was a Freshman in HS, I suffered a terrible concussion and spent 2 months in the ATR. Being in that environment and watching the AT work with all the athletes, I feel in love. From that point on, I dedicated my life to athletic training. Even going to trade school for it.

What drew you to the profession and to working with college athletes specifically?

What drew me to the profession was the environment and the controlled chaos. I always strived to work a career that I could have fun with and where everyday is different. That describes athletic training perfectly. You never know what could happen on any given day and that is exciting and fun for me. Additionally, athletes are a unique brand of people who will always keep you on your toes. I love that about them. They make you feel like you’re apart of the team and that comrade is always fun for me.  

Working with college athletes is especially unique and exciting for me. These are athletes who are either preparing for that next stage into professional play, or having one last dance before they hang up their shoes for the last time. I love being a part of their athletic journey and helping them to succeed at this elite level for as long as they can play.

How did you come to join Terra State, and what excited you about this opportunity?

I learned about the job opportunity for Terra State through my professor when I was in my last semester of my masters degree. The idea of being a new athletic trainer in a brand new position, offered a unique challenge for me. This unique challenge was incredibly exciting to me and I couldn’t wait to start.

What does a typical day look like for you during athletic seasons?

A typical day for me during the season involves coming in about 2 hours before the first athletic activity and doing some paperwork or note taking. I try to keep a comprehensive injury log for my athletes to keep myself organized and make sure I know what all is happening. Next, I prep water for all the practices. After that, athletes usually start to flow into the room and I begin pre-practice care, taping, and any follow-ups I have from the day before. After that, practice has usually begun and I remain on standby to help any athletes that may need it. At the end of the day, I check in with any of my injured athletes and make a plan with them for the next day.

This is your first year working with Terra State athletes — how would you describe the experience so far?

My experience with Terra State athletes has been amazing. Every athlete is unique, driven, and a joy to be around. They are a great group of young adults and it has been a blessing to be able to work with them all.

What’s been the biggest learning curve or adjustment this season?

My biggest adjustment this season has been learning how to run an ATR on my own. Before this job, I was still a Master’s student and was still trying to master the art of athletic training. Trying to adjust out of a student mindset and into a professional mindset has been a difficult, but incredibly rewarding challenge.

What has stood out to you about the student-athletes here at Terra State?

I believe the thing that has stood out to me the most about Terra State athletes are their drive for more. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a group of athletes so driven to improve themselves and be greater than at Terra State. They are all looking forward to bigger and better horizons and I feel as if it is a commendable characteristic of all the athletes here.

Are there any memorable moments or success stories that stick out from your first season?

I believe the most memorable moment during my first season was speaking in front of all the athletes at the beginning of season meeting. Them all getting to see me and hear about me for the first time. My soccer, volleyball, and baseball players cheering for me. It was the first time that I really stood a step back and realized that I am a part of something much greater than myself now. This realization filled me with pride and a want to be the best AT I could be for all these athletes.

How do you approach injury prevention and recovery with our student-athletes?

I usually approach injury prevention from day 1 of meeting an athlete. Having them work with me to strength their bodies to help them to stay healthy and stave off any future injuries. Additionally, having them make alternate life choices to improve their health. Such as sleep habits, eating habits, and lifestyle changes. I believe in treating the entire person and not just the athlete. This is the method that I have always approached athletics with and it seems to be greatly appreciated by the athletes.

When it comes to recovery, the same system is applied. I don’t just treat the injury itself, but all of the factors that could cause the injury to return. This full body, holistic care is a great way to help an athlete recover and to be stronger for the future.

What are the most common types of injuries you’ve seen this season, and how do you help athletes come back stronger?

The most common type of injury that I see are ankle sprains and shin splints by far. These are two of the most common injuries in sports and they most likely always will be. To help an athlete come back stronger from these injuries. You have to strengthen not just the ankle, but the foot, the knee, and the hip. By strengthening all of the connecting muscles, you give the athlete a much greater base of power. This greater base of power can greatly help them to not just be less injury prone for ankle sprains, but for all injuries of the lower body.

How do you balance helping athletes compete while also making sure they’re prioritizing long-term health?

Balancing helping athletes compete and trying to prioritize their future health is always a challenge. As an AT, you want your athletes to be on the playing field, but, as a professional, you know this isn’t always possible. I believe the best way to go about solving this issue is to always have the mindset of long-term health, while also following the recovery process to have an athlete out playing as soon as they can. Then, you continue to work with the athlete over the rest of the season to maintain this high level of health for the future. Additionally, educating your athletes on what healthy decisions to make is an incredible step in ensuring your athletes future health.

What’s something most people don’t realize about what an athletic trainer actually does behind the scenes?

I don’t think many people realize that athletic trainers help an athlete with not just their physical body, but also their mental health. We are full body care professionals and this includes the mind. We have been trained and educated on how to assist athletes who are suffering from mental health crises and this is a key element in athletic training. As athletes are more than just their physical bodies, they are human and feel human emotions. As an athletic trainer, it is my job to check in and make sure they are not only taking care of their physical bodies, but also their mental health.

If you could give one piece of advice to student-athletes about taking care of their bodies, what would it be?

One piece of advice I give to all my athletes is that you should rest your bodies as intensely as you train them. Many athletes do not realize that rest and recovery is a key element in training. They believe that by resting, they will not improve. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. An athlete that does not rest their body, will not improve nearly as fast or well as the athlete that does.

When you’re not working with athletes, how do you like to spend your time?

When I am not working with my athletes, I enjoy reading, listening to music, gaming, exercising, and debating sports with my friends. I also enjoy traveling, hiking, and canoeing.

What’s one thing your athletes might be surprised to learn about you?

One thing my athletes may be surprised to learn about me, is that I used to want to be a military medic before I decided to work with athletes. My family is filled with people who have served and for the longest time, I thought I would follow in their footsteps.