March was National Athletic Training Month (NATC), a time we recognized the health care professionals who keep student-athletes safe, prepared, and competing at their best. At Whitman College, that work is led by head athletic trainer John Eckel and assistant athletic trainer Anna Doyel, whose commitment to the Blues stretches from early-morning treatments to late-night postgame evaluations.
Eckel and Doyel are often the first people student-athletes see when something doesn’t feel right and the steady presence guiding them back to full strength. They coordinate injury prevention, emergency care, and long-term rehabilitation, all while building relationships rooted in trust, education, and whole-person care.
In honor of National Athletic Training Month, we sat down with Eckel and Doyel for a Q&A to talk about why they chose this profession, what a “typical” day really looks like, and how they approach caring for Whitman student-athletes on and off the field.
John Eckel – Head Athletic Trainer (MA, ATC, LAT)
How did you first become interested in athletic training as a career?
During undergraduate school I took an athletic training class and liked the idea of being able to help athletes to return to activity following an injury. The rest is history.
College sports can be intense—how do you support athletes’ mental and emotional well-being around injuries?
That can be a difficult time for an athlete. Most of the athletes that we work with know us and feel comfortable confiding in how they are feeling. It is important to listen to them and support them through the process of returning to their sport. Always looking for red flags that could require more intervention.
What do you enjoy most about working in a collegiate athletics environment?
I like that the athletes are here to play a sport they love and get an education. It’s fun to watch how the athletes mature over their four years.
How would you describe your overall approach or philosophy as an athletic trainer?
I always put the athlete first and not the game. I like to teach athletes how to take care of themselves instead of depending on someone else. Evidence based treatments are essential and should be grounded in current, peer-reviewed research.
If you weren’t an athletic trainer, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I wanted to be a football coach when I first started college. Not sure how long that would have lasted.
Anna Doyel – Assistant Athletic Trainer (MS, ATC, LAT)
How did you first become interested in athletic training as a career?
I learned about athletic training from my roommate’s friend, my freshman year of college. My initial plans for my undergraduate degree had changed and it felt like the right fit to get me to my goal of being an occupational therapist. I did not play any sports or watch any college/professional teams growing up, and I had no idea what an athletic trainer was or what the job fully entailed. The next 3 years of college were spent not only studying and going to clinical rotations but also learning the culture of college athletics. I was out of my comfort zone but eventually fell in love with the profession. The time spent with certain athletes and other athletic trainers helped confirm I had made the right career choice.
College sports can be intense—how do you support athletes’ mental and emotional well-being around injuries?
I focus on asking the athlete on how they are doing as a whole. It can be easy to look past the person, their emotions, and other things going on in their life if I am only focused on their injury. There is value in helping athletes to see hobbies, friendship, or other outlets they have when they are unable to fully participate in their sport. Reminding each athlete that they are a whole person with value and purpose in and out of their sport is very important.
What do you enjoy most about working in a collegiate athletics environment?
I enjoy being able to support student-athletes in their highest and lowest moments. The time I spend with them in the training room and on the court/field is very special.
How would you describe your overall approach or philosophy as an athletic trainer?
Overall, I want student-athletes to play safely, have fun during their collegiate athletic career, reach their athletic and academic goals, and know they are valuable. I am thankful for the role that I can play in their time at Whitman.
If you weren’t an athletic trainer, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Realistic: Occupational Therapist
Sort of unrealistic: Stay at Home Person (do crafts, sit at coffee shops, and snuggle my dog all day)
Unrealistic: I always thought it would be fun to be a voice actor!