DETROIT – Wayne State University's associate athletic trainer Katie Minahan volunteered at the Chula Vista United States Olympic Training Center last month. She volunteered for two weeks from July 13-July 27 working with USA Field Hockey and Rugby teams.

Chula Vista Olympic Training Center is home to archery, BMX, men's field hockey, rugby, track & field, and paralympic track & field. 

While volunteering there, Minahan didn't recognize any different treatment regiments she gave the olympic athletes versus the Wayne State student-athletes.  

"There wasn't anything I did truly different between the Wayne State student-athletes and the athletes there. The only thing that was different was the new rehab exercises that I learned," Minahan recalled. 

Minahan is excited to bring back the new found techniques to Wayne State's athletic department and assist student-athletes in their healing process. 

Another thing that Minahan noticed was the amount of time the athletes were able to give after practice.

"For a lot of these athletes, this is their main job. They aren't having to rush to class or do homework. Instead, they are able to give the allotted amount of time needed for ice baths and full treatments. We were able to work with them more extensively on healing their bodies," Minahan explained.

What was eye-opening for Manahin was the lives these athletes lead off the field. Some have just obtained the GED and are taking college courses online in their spare time. Others have more advanced degrees and are studying to be physicists. 

While she was there Minahan lived in the dorms the athletes lived in and got to experience life alongside them. The structure of the facility is set up as a college campus with dorms, cafeteria and athletic facilities. 

Being able to go out to California and work with some of the top athletes was an amazing experience Minahan would like to do again. She encourages those with three or more years of athletic training experience to apply for this opportunity as well.