Kayla Pisauro, an athletic trainer at Illinois Wesleyan University, has one of the best personalities on campus and is always there for athletes, whether they need a talk, a bandage or a diagnosis with some advice. This past year she mainly treated the women's soccer team and the track and field team on campus. This is her advice to keep your body at its best for your next season.

2aDays: What are your recommendations that are universal for any athlete to take care of their body?

Kayla: I would say to listen to your body. If it's telling you that you're in pain or it needs a break, do that. I know that a lot of the time even I will ignore certain pain. A lot of the time it doesn't matter but it could be something and if you just let it go it will get worse so just listen to your body.

Related: Rate Illinois Wesleyan University

2aDays: What are things or actions that athletes, in general, should stay away from?

Kayla: I would say don't do anything stupid and don't overtrain. Don't do anything stupid is kind of bad advice but in the collegiate setting, I see a lot of [injuries that happen], so don't do stupid stuff on the weekend that will prevent you from competing. 

2aDays: What are the best ways to recover from hard work outside of sleep?

Kayla: I think nutrition is a big one. Just make sure you are drinking water to stay hydrated and the same with Gatorade replacing your electrolytes. Also, make sure you are replenishing your carbs and proteins, and make sure you are eating enough to fuel your body to actually move.

Related: 9 Portable, Healthy Snacks For Athletes to Bring to Long Competitions

2aDays: If you had to give one piece of advice to college athletes, what would it be?

Kayla: Besides what I have already said, remember why you are there. You wanna have fun–that's why you play because you enjoy it. Obviously winning is important too, but don't let the stress and pressure get in your way. Make sure you remember why you are there and enjoy your sport.

2aDays: How important are taking actions like ice baths to keep your body healthy?

Kayla: I think they are very important because if you just keep going, your body will deteriorate. Do a proper cool down even if it's a foam roll or stretching or a little jog, it will help get the body calmed down and relaxed and ready for the next time you work out rather than just going and going.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

2aDays: What is your take on playing through injuries?

Kayla: That's always a tough one, [and] it depends on the situation, like if it's a playoff game you want someone to keep going. My thing–and I always keep this in the back of my mind and I tell my athletes this–my goal is just to keep you safe. I'm not going to let you go out there if I don't think it will be good for your health. If it's a little ache or pain, you can play through it–anyone can. Some people don't think they can, but they can. You just don't wanna make anything worse. Then you have those people who can't get off the field and you just have to advocate to them and talk to them, but in the end, it's the patients' decision, but you have to let them know all the consequences that it could have and be clear with them. 

2aDays: Where do you see most injuries coming from?

Kayla: In the past year, I have seen the most from not being conditioned enough coming into the fall. Sometimes athletes slack off–it's summer you should take a break but they will jump right back into [training] when coaches do two-a-days. Same with freshmen. Working in the collegiate setting, [I see] freshmen come up that are not used to training as collegiate athletes [and are] just not ready to go or not conditioned enough. 

2aDays: What is your advice for the mental health of players while injured?

Kayla: I would say simply just talk to somebody. I know it's hard for some people who don't like to talk about their feelings. Your athletic trainer is there for you, you can talk to them. I know I have my student-athletes joke with me, they say I'm like their therapist because they will tell me anything. So just talk to somebody, your friends or parents. If you don't want to talk to them, find someone to talk to or write it down because that can be the hardest part of recovery: being in your own head.

Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on August 26, 2022, by Scott Abramson