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Embarking on a Master of Athletic Training program is an exciting and transformative experience. It's a path that opens doors to a world of opportunities and experiences that can shape your future in remarkable ways. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Egbert Phillips, a dedicated student of the master’s in athletic training program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Egbert's journey demonstrates the incredible potential and growth that this program offers to aspiring athletic trainers.

Egbert's Journey Begins

Egbert, hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, chose to pursue his master’s in athletic training at UL Lafayette after completing his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with a focus on athletic training here as well. When asked why he decided to continue his education at UL Lafayette, he pointed out that the welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community at the university felt like home to him. The master’s program at our university offered him the opportunity to dive deeper into his passion for athletic training in an environment he truly cherished.

A Research Journey into NFL Injuries

As he progressed through the program, Egbert began researching for his thesis, focusing on how injuries affect the NFL season and their impact on win/loss ratios. His research unveiled a controversial issue: the debate between playing on real grass and turf. Egbert discovered that the majority consensus leaned towards turf being more prone to injuries. This topic is particularly close to his heart, as he had experienced a significant injury himself in high school while playing on turf. This injury led to an eight-week hiatus from sports, during which he had to focus on rest and pain management to regain his fitness. The research is currently ongoing.

Invaluable Experiences Inside and Outside the Classroom

Egbert's time at UL Lafayette was not just limited to his academic pursuits. He actively engaged in hands-on experiences both inside and outside the classroom. For 2.5 years, he served as a student coach for the university’s football team. His responsibilities included traveling with the team, filming games and practices, and assisting in various ways during practices. This immersive experience kept him motivated and allowed him to contribute directly to the team's success.
One of the most remarkable opportunities he had was participating in the Manning Passing Academy Camp, where he had the privilege of working alongside football legends Eli, Peyton, and Archi Manning. The four-day camp, with over 1200 kids, provided Egbert with the chance of a lifetime.

A Summer Internship with the New York Giants

Egbert's crowning achievement came after his first full year in grad school when he secured a summer internship role with the New York Giants. This internship experience, which ran from July 15th to September 1st, included working closely with the team during training camp and preseason NFL games. Only four interns were selected for this program, and it proved to be a rewarding and transformative experience.
Egbert's responsibilities during this internship included assisting the athletic trainers with rehabs, treatments, taping, and various tasks related to practice set-up and breakdowns. He also had the privilege of working with professional athletes, including notable figures like Saquon Barkley and Dexter Lawrence. The highlight of this program was working under the mentorship of Ronnie Barns, an NFL athletic trainer with over 40 years of experience. Egbert's time with Ronnie Barns was invaluable, and he often heard from others how lucky he was to work with a legend in the field.

Life After UL Lafayette
As Egbert's journey at UL Lafayette is nearing its completion, he is looking forward to a promising future. He shared that his time at UL Lafayette has adequately prepared him for a career as an athletic trainer, and he aspires to continue working in the professional sports field. The balance between work and life in the NFL, he noted, is especially comfortable, and the NFL is a family-oriented environment. Meeting various professionals in the field has further expanded his network.
Egbert Phillips' journey through UL Lafayette's master’s in athletic training program is a testament to the incredible opportunities that await those who pursue this path. His experiences, from conducting valuable research to working with the New York Giants, have equipped him with the knowledge and skills to excel in the field of athletic training. If you're considering a master’s in athletic training program, UL Lafayette is the ideal place to elevate your career and experience transformative opportunities, just like Egbert did. Your journey to a successful career in athletic training could start here.