UTICA, NY - Spring sports have fully kicked off at Utica University as of this week, with baseball and softball slated for their first home series of the new season. As March progresses, Utica Athletics is proud to spotlight another superb sports medicine professional. This week's "Behind the Benches" feature is focused on Gwen Murphy!
 
Join us as we step behind the benches to learn more about Gwen and all her experiences as a part of the Utica sports medicine department!
 
Gwen Murphy Q & A:
 
Years as a Pioneer: 2
 
Years in sports medicine: 14
 
Alma mater(s): SUNY College at Brockport
 
Did you play sports during high school or college?: I trained in classical ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance at Utica Dance. I pursued a BFA in dance performance and choreography at Brockport in conjunction with my athletic training education.
 
What is your favorite tape job and/or tape to use?: I love a nice clean ankle tape and I miss the 1.5" Mueller coach tape from the 2010's.
 
What is your go-to fact when you need an icebreaker?: I am the middle child in a family with seven total siblings. I have 5 brothers and 1 sister.
 
What would you like Utica and the greater athletics community to know about your profession?: Athletic trainers are health advocates for physically active people. You don't just find us in traditional athletics anymore. Athletic Trainers work in primary care & orthopedic offices, ER's, surgical centers, with fire & police departments, EMS, on military bases, with performing artist companies/venues, and in industrial/manufacturing settings with the common goal to keep people safe and healthy in work, life, and sport.
 
Gwen can be found at a variety of different athletics events including Gymnastic-related activities. Utica Gymnastics will be sending two gymnasts to Minnesota this week to compete in the NCGA National Championships. Grace Marra and Emmy Graff will be competing in the All-Around at the event.
 
For more information about the National Athletic Trainers' Association and National Athletic Training Month, please visit nata.org.