Athletic Training department supports mental and physical wellness

By Bella Giaquinto and Josh Leatherman

The prioritization of health and wellness within NSU’s Athletic Training department has led the Sharks to greatness this past year, with even higher expectations for 2024.

Dustin Gatens, the assistant athletic director for Sports Medicine at NSU, returned to the university in 2021 after an initial term serving as athletic trainer for softball and women’s soccer from 2006 – 2017.

Gatens graduated from Temple University in 2004 and received his master’s degree from Florida International University in 2006. During Gatens’s time at NSU, the athletic training field has evolved in a variety of ways.

“In my time, healthcare has taken a turn to become all-encompassing. When I first started in the field, it was mainly treating just physical injuries, but now we also have studies into mental health awareness to add another layer of care for our student-athletes,” Gatens said.

In the fall of 2013, Gatens became the head athletic trainer for Research and Development, which led to his spearheading research efforts for the NSU Sports Medicine team. In this role, he saw the institution of a sleep education program, which is now available for all student athletes at NSU.

“The thought that started the program was sparked by listening to Dr. Ana Imia Fins, who works in the NSU College of Psychology, while she was speaking at an annual retreat that focused on mental health,” Gatens said. “We don’t have D1 money here for all the luxuries that exist for sleep, but we do have D1 minds behind the program. Our ultimate goal is to expose and educate our student athletes to the benefits of proper sleep.”

During his time away from NSU from 2017-2021, Gatens served as an athletic trainer at Holy Cross Hospital during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since returning to NSU in 2021, Gatens and his staff have maintained a number of adaptations that were implemented during the pandemic.

“With how COVID affected all of us, I think we got a better understanding and perspective on how the general basics of personal care can be. We, as staff, emphasize to our community the importance of being aware and having personal awareness,” Gatens said. “I think the biggest change that we have seen in our NSU athletics community is that our athletes and coaches have grown to be more proactive when they don’t necessarily feel great and seek help immediately rather than waiting to see.”

With South Florida being known as a cultural melting pot, the student-athlete population at NSU has a large percentage of players who come from a variety of countries. While Gatens and his staff provide care for all student-athletes, additional attention is given to international student-athletes so they remain in contact with the athletic training staff while off campus.

“Zoom is a big help for us to stay in contact with our players during breaks in the school year. Players can stay in contact with us no matter the time zone, and we will help them or try to put them in contact with someone to help wherever they are,” Gatens said. “We make plans with all of our athletes before they leave, but things happen, and we adapt.”

Ultimately, Gatens and his training staff do whatever it takes to support their athletes.

Charlie Nichols, junior pitcher for NSU baseball, appreciates how Jason Palmateer, head athletic trainer for basketball and men’s and women’s golf, is always open and accessible.

“He gives us plenty of options when it comes to getting care on and off the field. He gives a great commitment of time to us during the week of practices, especially when we have a fluctuating schedule,” Nichols said. “Most importantly, he helps keep us on the field and feeling good.”

Gatens wants student athletes to be prepared and have everything they need for when they graduate.

“Our biggest goal here is to make our players feel safe and cared for and to help them gain personal agency that they can take beyond their time here at NSU,” Gatens said.