In her 33 years as an athletic trainer at Palomar College, Flecicia Heise never forgot the importance of keeping student athletes healthy.

That was brought home to her when a young athlete badly injured his knee while playing football. He tearfully told his grandmother that he would no longer be able to play football, dashing his dreams of becoming a pro player so he could buy her a new house.

“It was really impactful for me,” Heise said. “These kids are 17 or 18 years old, and they’ve got this weight on their shoulders of caring for their family. I always keep that in the forefront of my mind when working with every single athlete who comes through this door.”

On June 30, Heise is retiring as Head Athletic Trainer at Palomar College, ending a storied career that recently included induction into the California Community College Athletic Trainer’s Association Hall of Fame, along with recognition in 2022 as Athletic Trainer of the Year.

After years spent planning as part of her job, Heise said she hasn’t made plans for her retirement other than spending time with her husband, playing golf, and looking forward to the November wedding of her daughter, Palomar College Sports Information Director Cara Heise.

“I’m just going to go out and have fun and make the best of it,” she said of her impending retirement.

At its June 9 meeting, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services Nick Mata, recognized Heise’s outstanding contributions to the college and its students as its first female head athletic trainer.  “Her career has been defined by exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of care,” said Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services Nick Mata.

As someone who shares a passion for the field of athletic training, Dr. Tina Recalde, Interim Superintendent/President of Palomar College expressed her gratitude for Heise’s extensive career at the college.  “Flecicia’s dedication to the health of our student athletes is unwavering.  She is truly a professional and consistently demonstrated a passion in caring for the health and safety of our athletes,” said Dr. Recalde. 

Heise grew up as an athlete, playing softball until her early 20s. She had shoulder surgery twice and became intrigued by the work being done when she went to a physical therapy clinic.

She decided to enter the field and started as a part-time athletic trainer at Palomar College in November 1993. Six years later, she was named head athletic trainer.

Heise said athletic training is focused on helping athletes prevent injuries and helping them heal after they have suffered an injury.

“We try to take initiative with each of the teams,” she said. “If there’s been an influx of shoulder injuries on a team, we try to come up with ideas on what to do differently.”

Heise said her greatest satisfaction in her job has been seeing an athlete back competing in their sport after they have been injured.

“It’s emotional for them when they’ve been injured,” she said. “It’s satisfying to see them have a great season.”

Even after 33 years on the job, Heise said she still loves her career. “It’s kept me young. I never said I was going to work. I always said I was going to school because I learned so much,” she said. “I truly love what I do. But it’s time to start a new chapter and have fun.”