Q&A with David Green an Athletic Trainer at The University of Tampa 

David Green is the main trainer for Men's Soccer and the entire swim team here at the University of Tampa. Green earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Athletic Training from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau in 2008. Then earned his Master’s of Science Degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training from the University of South Carolina in 2011. He has been been a UT athletic trainer here at UT since the summer of 2015 and is continuing to work with the current men's soccer and UT swim team. 

1. How did you end up at the University of Tampa?

I was working at Flagler College in Saint Augustine and was looking for a better job at a place that appreciated their employees. I had a relationship with a few UT alumni and my current boss, Scott Brickett. When the job opened I was lucky enough to get an interview and be offered the position.

2. Why did you choose to work with collegiate athletes?

I wanted to work with collegiate athletes because highs school athletics are boring.  I enjoy working with collegiate student athletes because they are usually more driven than younger students would be.  I find that they can be easier to work with when they have injuries which makes my job easier as well. 

3. What was the worst injury you have seen? What did you have to do to help that person?

It was an athlete that was not on a UT team. It was an athlete on the opposing soccer team who fractured his fibula and tibia in a game. We had to splint him and send him to the hospital. The athlete ended up having to get surgery. 

4. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is working with the swim team. My least favorite thing about my job is working with swimming. I'm just joking, sort of. My favorite thing is seeing athletes that were hurt return to their sport and be successful. Or when athletes come back from a serious injury and are pain-free. My least favorite part about my job can be the number of hours, nights, and weekends I have to put in. 

5. If given the choice, would you have chosen another college to work for or another field of medicine? 

Knowing what I know now about my job. I probably would have chosen a job in either the athletic administration or something in a business field. Purely because of how vigorous and irregular work hours can be.

“Interview has been edited for brevity, clarity and style.”