In her 33 years as an athletic trainer at Palomar College, Flecicia Heise never forgot the importance of keeping student athletes healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was really impactful for me,\u201d Heise said. \u201cThese kids are 17 or 18 years old, and they\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s Association Hall of Fame, along with recognition in 2022 as Athletic Trainer of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After years spent planning as part of her job, Heise said she hasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m just going to go out and have fun and make the best of it,\u201d she said of her impending retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At its June 9 meeting, Assistant Superintendent\/Vice President of Student Services Nick Mata, recognized Heise\u2019s outstanding contributions to the college and its students as its first female head athletic trainer. \u201cHer career has been defined by exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of care,\u201d said Assistant Superintendent\/Vice President of Student Services Nick Mata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s extensive career at the college. \u201cFlecicia\u2019s 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,\u201d said Dr. Recalde. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heise said athletic training is focused on helping athletes prevent injuries and helping them heal after they have suffered an injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe try to take initiative with each of the teams,\u201d she said. \u201cIf there\u2019s been an influx of shoulder injuries on a team, we try to come up with ideas on what to do differently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heise said her greatest satisfaction in her job has been seeing an athlete back competing in their sport after they have been injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s emotional for them when they\u2019ve been injured,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s satisfying to see them have a great season.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even after 33 years on the job, Heise said she still loves her career. \u201cIt\u2019s kept me young. I never said I was going to work. I always said I was going to school because I learned so much,\u201d she said. \u201cI truly love what I do. But it\u2019s time to start a new chapter and have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"