Photo by Ramsey Scott ’23/The Choate News
Assistant Athletic Trainer Ms. Tanisha Clark is a shining light in the midst of the chaotic athletic training room at Choate.
Known throughout campus for her infectious positivity and kind nature, Ms. Clark brings happiness to all who have the pleasure of crossing her path. However, her role on campus extends far beyond her position as an athletic trainer. Although her Choate career started in the athletic training room, her impact on the community encompasses much more.
Ms. Clark’s interest in physical rehabilitation for athletes began during her time as an accomplished high school athlete. Inevitably, injury is a part of the game, and Ms. Clark’s experience was no different. “In high school, I dislocated my shoulder a multitude of times, and my athletic trainer in high school was really helpful with rehab and getting me back into sports,” she said.
Ms. Clark’s relationships through these challenging times intrigued her and opened her eyes to a new world of physical rehabilitation for athletes. This discovery eventually led her to join the Choate community as a part of the trainers team.
Over her four years at Choate, Ms. Clark has pursued that passion and much more. Each day, she is involved in many duties beyond her role in the Athletic Department. Ms. Clark explained how her days have become exponentially more packed over the past few years: “Now that I started doing the Prefect Program, Wellness Committee, and being a dorm advisor, my days are pretty filled.”
Although she now holds new responsibilities, her afternoons still consist of time in the training room with the many athletes who rely on her care. “When everyone gets out of classes, it gets a little busy, and as crazy as it sounds, I love that hustle and bustle and chaos,” she said.
Ms. Clark’s role in the athletic training room is not only about gaining experience, but also about watching other people’s stories unfold. She has had a front-row seat to watching the current sixth-formers grow into who they are today and has a unique perspective on their development. “I love seeing you all happy with each other. Even through the darkest days, you guys just love each other,” she said.
Ms. Clark notices more than just the faces and injuries flowing through the athletic training room. She enjoys learning about her advisees’ lives and knowing what they are like outside of the classroom. She connects with everyone at Choate, including the faculty as well.
Ms. Clark has a bright future ahead of her and has many things she wants to accomplish in the following years, not only for herself, but also for the Choate community. She strives to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone she meets.
