For the fifth installment of our Non-traditional AT Series we introduce, Todd Sabol, Athletic Trainer (AT) and Owner of SportsMEDiscussion! Read on for how his athletic career and injuries sparked his interest in athletic training, why he believes a positive mindset is critical to success and his journey as a sports medicine entrepreneur!
Q: What personal experiences or life events sparked your unique practice of athletic training? What professional experiences led you to this place?
A: As a young athlete in middle school, I was plagued with injuries that stayed with me into my early high school career. I worked with my athletic trainer on a consistent basis and this relationship allowed me to recover mentally and physically and led me to have a successful three sport career in high school and continue my soccer career for four years at the collegiate level. I wanted to be able to help future athletes recover and perform at their highest levels as well.
Professionally, I got into sports medicine and athletic training coursework early in college, because of my previously stated injuries. I loved being able to be on both sides of the ball, competing at a high level in the fall, while still working with my professors and classmates to stay healthy and in the offseason working with other collegiate teams to help their athletes do the same.
Q: What space do you currently fill in the AT profession?
A: I currently work as an athletic trainer in a small rural high school in Southeast Ohio. I was actually at this same high school during my graduate assistantship at Ohio University, where I earned a Master of Science in Athletic Training. After I graduated, a local hospital took over that high school’s medical oversight and they hired me back to the same place. It is an awesome place to work with great athletes.
I also am a sports medicine entrepreneur! I took over half of a consortium of sports medicine seminar series that helps Ohio coaches get and maintain their certifications through the Ohio Department of Education. I also work with individual clients and help address their rehabilitation and injury needs.
Q: What is your WHY? What keeps you going when things get hard?
A: My driving force statement is: “I want to use discipline, research and work ethic to help as many people as I can, while bridging the health care industry and fitness community.” When things get hard I also seem to perform at my best. I have developed a mindset of grit and perseverance through my own experiences, adversity and throwing myself into many overwhelming situations, because that is how I learn most effectively and how I believe I am most effective in helping other people. My number one goal getting into this profession was to help that young athlete recover mentally and physically from a seemingly terrible injury. So when I get stressed or don’t want to look at a new method of treatment or read a new book, I think of that athlete that needs my help, and it keeps me going.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to prospective ATs looking to influence or evolve the AT profession?
A: My biggest piece of advice to upcoming ATs is to be positive, no one likes to be around someone with negative energy. Also, realize that there are so many effective methods of treatment, so don’t be close minded! Finally, realize that the majority of people you see will be coming to you at a vulnerable time in their life/season/career etc, so stay level headed and always think of what you can do to help them. They will appreciate it in the long run.
Q: Has your view on the AT industry evolved since pursuing a non-traditional avenue? If so, how?
A: Completely. I never knew what an entrepreneur was until about 1 year ago, and now I own a business. The traditional way obviously is the standard and what we learn about and see all the time, but that doesn’t mean that is all that is out there. Go out and learn, explore and seek mentorship from people who are where you want to be!
Q: What gave you the confidence to go against the grain and take an innovative approach to serving the AT profession?
A: Changing my mindset, not caring about what other people think and MOST IMPORTANTLY surrounding myself with an inner circle of like-minded people who are grinding and doing things the right way everyday.
Q: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
A: The only thing I wish I would have done differently is think outside of the box sooner. Read books, listen to podcasts, seek mentorship. There is so much out there.
Rapid Fire:
Q: What are 1-3 books that have greatly influenced your personal and/or professional life?
A: The 10x Rule by Grant Cardone, Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk, and Entrepreneur or Wantrepreneur by John Fosco and Cory Gregory
Q: What is one the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve made that has positively impacted your life?
A: Time and gas money to drive to the gym where I train at every morning at 4am to learn from Cory Gregory and the #4AmCrew.
Q: What is one habit or behavior that has most improved your life?
A: Waking up early and training.
Q: Favorite App to help keep you organized?
A: I don’t use an apps but I use Powerlisting (Post-it Notes) – Episode 107 of the MFCEO Project Podcast
Q: Favorite quote to keep you motivated?
A: “You can’t have D1 aspirations with a JV work ethic.”
Q: Favorite activity to spark creativity and ideas?
A: Listening to podcasts during my daily commute.
If you would like to get in touch with Todd, you can contact him at [email protected]
