Nnamdi Chikere
“I ultimately chose WVU because I was impressed by the staff’s commitment to tailoring my experience to help prepare me for the career path I wanted to pursue after graduation.”
Why did you choose to pursue athletic training?
Honestly, I could go on about this topic for hours! Both of my parents are nurses, so I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in medicine. On the other hand, I’ve always been interested in sports. I chose athletic training not only because it combined two passions of mine, but because whenever I first learned of the profession, something clicked. I wanted a career that allowed me to build strong relationships with my clients; tailoring their care not only to their ailments but also to their unique tendencies and personalities. I wanted to be there for them on their best days and do everything I could to improve their worst. Most importantly, I sought a profession that kept every day engaging—one that made me excited to wake up and go to work. Athletic training aligned with everything I envisioned in my ideal career and there was no doubt in my mind that it was the best option for me.
Why do you feel this career will be rewarding? Why is it the right fit for you?
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. It may be a cliché, but it’s for a reason. Nobody exemplified that better than my high school English teacher. Teaching was his true calling, and the passion he brought to each day—empowering his students to reach their full potential—inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful impact on others, just as he did for us. And I believe athletic training is my calling.
Can you go more into detail about your internship/clinical experience in the program? What did you choose and how has this helped you in your career path?
My ultimate career goal is to work in professional sports and I knew that achieving this would require a broad foundation of experience. To prepare, I sought exposure to a wide range of injuries and diverse patient populations, allowing me to develop a well-rounded skill set. I got the chance to work with WVU’s football, tennis, cheer, and basketball teams. These experiences opened the door to an incredible opportunity—spending a summer working alongside an NFL athletic training staff. It was an opportunity I hadn’t anticipated earning so early in my career, but one that reinforced my passion and commitment to this field.
What is one of your favorite training opportunities you have participated in as a student in the athletic program?
It’s difficult to pinpoint just one thing, but I’d say the chance to interact with different members of the interdisciplinary medical team stands out. It allowed me to observe how medical professionals from different fields collaborate to provide the best possible care, while also teaching me valuable skills in communication and teamwork.