News 9/23/2026 12:00:00 PM Get to Know Emily Condello Catholic University | Head Athletic Trainer TOWSON, Md. – The Landmark Conference is proud to spotlight the campus leaders who support and elevate the student-athlete experience. In this edition of the Admin Q&A series, we feature Emily Condello, Head Athletic Trainer at Catholic University. From finding her path in athletic training to building meaningful relationships with student-athletes and mentoring the next generation of athletic trainers, Condello shares the experiences and perspectives that have shaped her career in collegiate athletics. What inspired you to pursue athletic training, and what continues to motivate you in the profession today? I grew up playing sports, and I had a good relationship with my AT in high school. After debating PT or AT, I decided that I loved the freedom (and the chaos) of the athletic training profession. What motivates me today is knowing that I, and all ATs out there, can be the biggest advocates for our athletes in all walks of their lives. What is the most rewarding part of building relationships with student-athletes throughout their college careers? Seeing them grow as athletes, as teammates, as students, as young professionals, and as people in this world. Four years, day in and day out, is a long time. I love being there through every high moment of their time with us because it helps get through some of the lows that we see them at. Can you share a moment or experience that reminded you why you chose athletic training as a profession? I reflect on the variety of ways where I can make a high impact in someone's life through my work, and that reminds me why I chose this profession. There is the obvious returning athletes back to play, but there also is having the ability to mentor the younger AT students and young professionals and helping them be successful in their profession and grow as clinicians. How has the field of sports medicine evolved since you began your career? I think the integration and inter-professional collaboration within different fields (PT, OT, physicians, surgeons, mental health professionals, nutritionists, sports psychologists, etc.) has become vital. We embrace treating under the "bio-psycho-social" model and aim at treating the person as a whole, and not just the injury. What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in athletic training? Embrace the everyday grit. From difficult practical exams, difficult cases, and difficult clinicals, to chaotic pre-seasons, broken equipment, and learning how to become a mentor. It all pays off at the end of the day when you remember your why. Look for those bright spots every day, and never forget why you want to be in this profession. Fast Five... Favorite sport to work? Ice Hockey Favorite way to spend a day off? Exploring a new area or place around DC Beach or mountains? Mountains Coffee order? Black Iced Coffee (Dunkin!) Hidden talent or fun fact about yourself? I can play the harmonica.