Preston Markland is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Coronado by AZPreps365

Coronado’s head athletic trainer Tessa Powell is tasked with ensuring the football team stays healthy and ready to practice in the steamy heat of Arizona. That’s not easy with a roster of only 25.

Due to some athletes academically ineligible and some having left the program altogether, the roster has an “all hands on deck” mentality.

Because of the small roster size, most players are forced to play offense and defense.

“It’s hard because the guys who play both sides of the ball don’t ever come off,” said Powell. “It’s a struggle because if I pull a kid…now the coaches are down a body on the field.”

Powell said it is important to know how her athletes respond to pain and how they might differ from other athletes on an individual basis.

“Monitoring those who could potentially go down is huge for athletic trainers and it makes [the athletes] more comfortable in seeing me.” said Powell.

Coach Matt Leblanc welcomes Powell’s input.

“The kids love her,” said LeBlanc. “[She] takes pressure off of me and the other coaches. We know that the kids are protected.”

Powell has students who take her sports medicine class. They help her with day-to-day activities and are a crutch for her.

The students are not allowed to diagnose or treat but they stretch the athletes, ice them and assist in rehab. They help Powell anyway they can, whether that be carrying water bottles or helping to clean.

“I think it’s a good experience,” said student-trainer Diana Aries. “Actually being able to be hands-on…is a cool experience.”

When it’s hot, Coronado has to adjust its practice schedule under the guidance of Powell.

Powell uses a heat index chart that measures heat and humidity to determine if the team is going to practice in pads or not and when the practice is going to start.

“We have an AIA and district policy we follow,” said Powell.

Powell is respected and an integral part of LeBlanc’s vision of molding the players of the program into men.

“We all respect her,” said senior Luis Esqueda. “She’s the boss. We [don’t] complain.”