NHS 2026 Trainer Megan Klein
I started my career working D1 cheer and dance in Texas at SFA in 2016. While there I picked up some Friday night lights on the side for extra cash and realized I loved it. When we moved back to Nashville in 2021 I knew I had to get to a high school. In the spring of 2022 I joined the Bone and Joint team and started at Summit High School. That fall I transitioned to Nolensville and have been here ever since!
The typical day depends on the season. This fall we’re having a lot of heat over 100 so some days I’m out of the door at 4:00 am to get to school for football practice then back to the school around 2:15 pm for afternoon stuff. In the fall it’s a lot of making sure everyone is watching the heat and getting volleyball, soccer, football, and cross country taken care of. Getting waters ready for practices and games, everyone taped, injuries evaluated, and just getting filled in on the school day. Then the winter is a little more laid back with basketballs and wrestling, but never boring! The spring is where it’s crazy. With essentially every team on campus active except for about 2 it is crazy. Lots of water coolers, lots of tape, but it’s always full of celebration (well it is in every season) so it’s all worth it.
I think as athletics changes as a whole then everything will continue to evolve. We have added lacrosse and flag football since I got here. The treatment styles change and research continues to come out and show new things in medicine and athletics. There is always something new in some form or fashion so it keeps me on my toes and I love it!
I think every championship or every championship run holds a special place in my heart and we have a lot of those at Nolensville. Volleyball being down 2-0 and winning 3-2 in districts in 2024, wrestling sending over 75% of the team to individual state in 2026, and baseball winning the district tournament in 2026 are some of the examples. Also the injuries that come back and those athletes have so much success. The athletes that fight through the adversity and come out on top will always make me feel like a proud older sister type of feeling.
Dr. Mehta has been awesome! He truly has the best interest of the athletes and trusts me with the same. His assistant, Keely, is also an athletic trainer so it’s awesome to have another AT brain to pick on injuries. His first sideline with us was week 2 and he was blown away with the atmosphere and the respect of the athletes. Plus we have the urgent care clinic right here in town and having that crew (Roger, Lance, Brandon, Scott, and everyone else I’m missing) is such a blessing!
I think the best qualities are conflicting qualities! You have to be kind and compassionate, but also have some tough love in there. Being honest with the athletes and the parents, even when the answer isn’t the one we all want, will always go a long way. Admitting when I get it wrong and being understanding is another big one. Patience! Especially when the weather gets crazy in the spring. Some days you have to have a really good poker face when they talk about their day or how they got hurt over the weekend, but eventually you can laugh about it or cry about it
with them!
I just try to be honest with them. I tell them random life stories, tell them about random old injuries I’ve seen, and anything happening around us. I try to build trust with the athletes so that way they aren’t scared to come in and see me. I try to make them know that even though I’m old, I’ve also walked through life as an athlete and know that they just want to play. And I am going to do whatever I can to make sure they can play, but also play to the best of their ability and keeping their safety in mind. These game days are temporary, but the well being of their mind and body
is forever.
As time goes on I hope we continue to see new things. New treatment options, continued access to supplies for hydration, taping, safety, etc, and continuing to teach anyone that wants to learn about this specific branch of sports medicine! Thankfully our school is ever evolving in every area and I am very grateful!
