Behind the scenes of all the games, matches, and meets at River Dell High School is our one-of-a-kind athletic trainer: Angela “Ang” Sterzer.
Ang, known for her welcoming smile and open-door policy, has become a safe place for student athletes for over 18 years at River Dell.
Student athlete, Kayleigh Windram explained that “Ang always offers to do everything for everyone and rarely turns down challenges. She is always putting other people first”
Ang is a certified athletic trainer (ATC). An ACT is a healthcare professional who works with athletes in prevention examination treatment and rehabilitation of acute and chronic injuries.
These responsibilities may include providing first aid and evaluating injuries. An ACT applies tape bandages and braces as well as developing and implementing injury prevention and treatment programs. They also communicate with athletes’ parents, coaches and doctors.
Sarah Perez, a senior at River Dell, worked with Ang for her internship. She explained, “She keeps such a welcoming and understanding environment in her office that a lot of people, especially me, see it as a safe space. Whenever someone talks to her or approaches her, she always greets them with a welcoming smile and she genuinely cares about what everyone is telling her whether it be their injury, or just stories they have.”
“I loved how the career is a mix of sports and healthcare. Ang has been a huge influence on my choice. She has taught me every single aspect of being an athletic trainer and I now hold nothing but love for the job. My goal in life, especially in my life as an athletic trainer, is to have the same welcoming and safe environment that Ang keeps,” continued Perez.
Ang hasn’t only helped inspire student athletes to become ATCs, she has also devoted her time and efforts to the River Dell community. Some might even joke that she’s like a therapist.
Student-Athlete Josh Hums stated, “Sometimes sports can be mentally draining, and you need someone to talk to who isn’t your coach. Ang, has done that for many people including my teammates and even myself.”
Ang makes it a priority to get to know each athlete no matter if they are outgoing or shy. Often, you will always find her room busy with athletes either waiting to get wrapped or needing to have a chat before going to practice. “I’ve been very lucky and honored to be RDs ATC for the last 18 years. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. RD is a second home to me. It’s all about the student athletes that makes me want to come to RD every day,” exclaimed Ang.
Ang studied at Rowan University, graduating in 2003. She expressed that her first passion was dancing. Growing up she danced jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. Not until she was in college did, she start ballet.
Ang explained that she decided upon switching her degree after a conversation with her father. Ang expressed, “All I knew I wanted was to help people and form lasting connections”
She expressed that growing up she never had played any sport, besides dancing. So, when she got certified as an athletic trainer, she found all sports fascinating.
However, one sport at River Dell sticks out the most to Ang. “Wrestling is my least favorite sport I liked, but it’s also the sport I enjoy the most,” said Ang. “It’s not the sport itself of wrestling but the athletes who do the sport. The bond between the entire team is so strong and powerful. No matter the athlete’s gender, background, popularity, grade, personality, they all work together to support each other and make each other feel welcomed. I never seen that in any other sport since I’ve been here at RD,” explained Ang.
Wrestling Captain, Yuji Ota expressed his gratitude. “Ang has always been a foundation of the team’s success from the beginning to the end of the season. Anything that needs to be taken care of is always ready to be there for us. Especially, the many times that I’ve needed her to stop a bloody nose or wrap my ankles, she was always ready to help me perform my best. To perform our best.”
Ang’s personality has shaped so many people at River Dell. She has welcomed students of all backgrounds and has made them feel safe. Additionally, the RD community is so blessed to have such an amazing athletic trainer, like Ang!
