PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- During March, athletic trainers across America are being recognized for their commitment to helping people prevent injuries and stay healthy and active. As healthcare professionals, they are highly educated and dedicated to the job at hand. Athletic trainers are found in high schools and colleges, corporations, professional sports, the military, performing arts, clinics, hospitals, and physician offices.

Here at Lake Erie, we are lucky enough to have five of the best athletic trainers in the country. Behind every one of our student-athletes success is an AT who goes above and beyond every day. Their commitment and hard work day in and day out does not go unrecognized, and every day, we are thankful for them.

This week we are highlighting Abby Hicks, who is in her first year on the LEC sports medicine staff. Abby works primarily with the Storm football, wrestling, and women's lacrosse programs. Here is what our staff and student-athletes have to say about Abby:

"For only having Abby in a short amount of time, I have truly enjoyed every interaction. She is super kind and is always open to any conversation or questions I have. Although she has so much going on with all of her athletes, she manages to carve a good amount of time for each and every one of them. I am super lucky to have had her as my trainer. She is always looking for the best in her athletes and is always there for them!" - Corinne Shimek, Women's Lacrosse

"Abby does a fantastic job working with the student-athletes at LEC. Abby played a big role by getting her athletes the rehab and treatments needed to get them feeling good for their competitions. She is great at communicating her availability and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure her athletes are taken care of. Abby has done a phenomenal job with the wrestling team this year, and we are very grateful to have her as our athletic trainer!" - Vincent Scaramuzzino, Wrestling

"Abby is a huge asset to our program, and we are blessed to have her! She goes above and beyond for our guys and adds to our culture. As a program, we would not be where we are without her!" - Head Coach Boomer Fechko, Wrestling