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.
The first athletic trainer to be highlighted is 2014 Concord graduate
Stephen Baldwin, who is in his second year as an employee.
Name: Stephen Baldwin
Position: Staff Athletic Trainer
College Alma Mater: Concord (Bachelor's, '14), Fairmont State (Master's, '16)
What made you decide to get into Athletic Training?
I wanted to be immediately immersed in to the health field with hands on learning and Athletic Training was the closest path for that. Once I decided I was going to major in AT, I fell in love with it and here I am almost 10 years later.
How did you land at Concord?
I had always wanted to come back to Concord. There's a lot of memories here. When
Tracy McCallister said they were looking for an athletic trainer, I couldn't resist.
What's your most memorable moment as an athletic trainer either at Concord or another coaching stop?
I had an athlete that tore his ACL during a game. Following his surgery, he worked adamantly with his rehab and was non-stop trying to get better. Watching him return to the court was perhaps one of the most rewarding moments of my career.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Watching your athletes go from their lowest to dominating on the field!
Tell us where you're from and little bit about the area you grew up in.
I am from Points, WV. It is a small town of maybe 200 people in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. I grew up on a 30-acre farm with three other siblings.
Favorite vacation spot?
Vacation? What's vacation?
Best local restaurant to eat at?
If you're talking Athens, now that Moe's is here, it has to be Moe's. If you are talking about within driving distance, I suggest Pasquale's in Beckley, West Virginia.
What's the biggest attribute you look for in an athlete?
The want to get better. It is one of the main reasons I chose athletic training over physical therapy. Athletes have a drive to want to get better and to get back on the playing field as quick as possible whereas the general population may not be as motivated.
What makes Concord special or what's your favorite thing about campus?
When I step on campus, there's a certain air about the place. Maybe it is the nostalgia flooding back, but I think it just has that appeal about it. Concord is nestled in a small town and is the ATTRACTION for Athens. "The Campus Beautiful" at sunrise with fresh, cool, autumn air just puts you in a mood where you know it is going to be a great day whether that's a sporting event or just hanging on the hillside in The Valley.
What advice would you go back and give yourself if you were 20-years old again?
Don't take things so seriously. If I could've just not stressed about as much and realized that God had a plan for me to end up where I am today, I could've enjoyed myself so much more.
Favorite TV show unrelated to sports?
Supernatural
What's one bucket list item you have yet to accomplish?
I would love to road trip the entire United State and take time to enjoy what each state has to offer.
