ATHENS, W.Va. - During the course of the fall semester, the Concord University Sports Information Department will be profiling each member of the Concord Athletics Staff in a Behind the Scenes series.
Second-year Concord Athletic Trainer
Zack Sandlin is profiled in today's behind the scenes.
Name: Zack Sandlin
Position: Staff Athletic Trainer
College Alma Mater: Southern Arkansas (Bachelor's, '17), University of Louisiana at Monroe (Master's, '18)
What made you decide to get into Athletic Training?
I wanted to stay involved with sports once I graduated high school. Having been an athlete I had some experience with athletic training and what they did. I signed up for some athletic training courses on a whim in college and really enjoyed the experience, so I decided to stick with it.
How did you land at Concord?
I had been applying to jobs all summer after completing my graduate assistant position. One of my former professors from SAU (
Stephen Baldwin) reached out to me about applying for the open position here at Concord. So I applied and now here I am!
What's your most memorable moment as an Athletic Trainer either at Concord or another coaching stop?
My most memorable moment is seeing one of my track athletes from ULM that had been out a whole season due to injury be able to step back on the track and compete again. We spent the whole year doing rehab, and she did everything she could to get better. Watching her go out and compete in the sport that she loved after working so hard to get back was awesome.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the kids that I've been working with through injuries, aches and pains, and the struggle of the season go out and compete in the sports that they love.
Tell us where you're from and little bit about the area you grew up in.
I'm from just outside of Bentonville, Arkansas. Bentonville is best known for being the birthplace of Walmart. I moved to the Hot Springs, Arkansas area prior to starting high school in another small town called Royal. Total population of about 350 people right off Lake Ouachita.
Favorite vacation spot?
I don't understand the question…could you use "vacation" in a sentence for me?
Best local restaurant to eat at?
Moe's in Athens or Shogun's in Bluefield
What's the biggest attribute you look for in an athlete?
I look for work ethic and a desire to get better and improve. These are things that I believe separate athletes from the general population, and a big reason I chose to pursue Athletic Training over Physical Therapy.
What makes Concord special or what's your favorite thing about campus?"
Concord is a very beautiful campus that is nestled in a pretty unique spot when you really think about it. Athens might be a small town, but you're within a day's drive of a lot of pretty great places to visit. Lot of hiking trails and outdoor activities in the area, and bigger shopping areas aren't too far off if that's your thing. Concord also has an awesome community that really supports one another. I was a bit nervous moving so far away from home, but the welcome that I got when I arrived here made that transition much easier.
What advice would you go back and give yourself if you were 20-years old again?
Take life as it comes to you. Don't worry so much about the past, and tomorrow will take care of itself. Control what you are able to today and strive to be better today than you were yesterday.
Favorite TV show unrelated to sports?
Samurai Jack
What's one bucket list item you have yet to accomplish?
I want to see the West Coast. I've never been further west than Lubbock, Texas.
