Pirates trio honored during National Athletic Training Month

COSTA MESA -- March is National Athletic Training Month and at Orange Coast College, the Kinesiology and Athletics Department is proud to have three outstanding trainers on staff, who keep the health and well-being of several hundred student-athletes as their top priority. 

In alphabetical order, the Pirates would like to thank and acknowledge our three outstanding athletic trainers for their endless hard work and dedication to their profession and to Orange Coast College.

ISABEL ARCHULETA

Isabel is in her second full year with OCC after spending two years at Cal Baptist University and Rosary High School. Her college career included Riverside Community College, where she earned here A.A. degree in humanities, Cal State Fullerton, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and Cal Baptist University, where she received her Master's degree in kinesiology.

Who has been a major influence on you and why? "Every institution that I was a part of has influenced me in some way. I may have moved on but part of who I am comes from some very important mentors. At Cal State Fullerton, Dr. Robert Kersey taught me that that life was about choices…and I was responsible for owning those choices. At Cal Baptist, Dr. Nicole MacDonald & Jolene Dickert showed me that women can work in this profession and be successful while actively being involved with their families. Last but certainly not least ... Guido Sendowsky first inspired me to become an athletic trainer when I started the certificate program at RCC. He demonstrated what it meant to put student athletes first and how to be a mentor to student athletic trainers.

 Since becoming an athletic trainer what accomplishment or achievement are you most proud of? "I am most proud of the OCC Sports Medicine Club. Members of the club continually surprise me as they work towards their career goals. Watching them mature and represent the profession of athletic training in a positive way is genuinely gratifying as their instructor and mentor."

What is your favorite part of your job? "Student athletes are the best part of my job! Getting to interact with them is always entertaining and gives me a true sense of purpose."

EVONNE CAOUETTE

The veteran of the athletic training staff, Evonne began her Coast career in August of 1999, where she has tended athletes from every sport on campus and even a few sports that no longer exist on this campus! Born in Texas and growing up in California and Oklahoma, Evonne attended Cal State Dominguez Hills, where she played volleyball and earned her Bachelor's degree in athletic training. From there, she went back to school and earned her Master's degree from Azusa Pacific University in education.

Who has been a major influence on you and why? "My older sister has always been a good influence on me.  As a child, I used to look up to her because she was so smart and funny.  That has not changed.  She has always been supportive, encouraging and a positive influence on me and what is happening in my life to this day.  I couldn't ask for a better sister."

Did you play sports? "Yes, played all sorts of sports growing up.  But it was basketball and volleyball that I played the most. Eventually getting a scholarship to play volleyball in college."

 What is your favorite part of your job? "Working with the athletes.   For example, even though they may have suffered a scary injury, helping the athlete through the process and getting them back to heathy and seeing them succeed is a good feeling."

CHAZ KEKIPI

The "rookie" of the training trio, Chaz is wrapping up his first full year with the Pirates. It didn't take Chaz long to find himself completely immersed in the culture. He has become very involved with the OCC Sports Medicine Club, which is an integral part of the athletic training program at OCC. He loves sharing his passion for athletic training with the students in the club and watching his athletes' successes on and off the field.

Prior to coming to Coast, Chaz attended Chapman University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in athletic training. From there, he attended Concordia University, where he completed his MCAA Master's program. Prior to starting at Coast, Chaz was the head athletic trainer at Servite High School, where he was a part of over 15 CIF titles between 2008-2016.

Who has been a major influence on you and why? "My single biggest influence on the success of his athletic training career is Dr. Ky Kugler, Chapman University. Dr. Kugler was the Director of the Chapman University Athletic Training Education Program while I was working on my undergraduate degree. It wasn't Dr. Kugler's degrees or resume that propelled me into this profession. It was the fact that he taught me that a regular guy, passionate about athlete safety and care, could be in the profession of athletic training."

Did you play sports? "Yes I did. After lettering in track and field and football at Punahou School, I attended Chapman University, where I played on the football team in 2007 and 2008."

What is your biggest accomplishments in athletic training thus far? "I helped implement Servite High School's first comprehensive concussion protocol and I introduced the implementation of the Catapult athlete tracking technology at the school, which I was unable to see through to completion."