For the 2017-2018 school year, Hollis Brookline High School has a new athletic trainer. Michael Thompson, more commonly known as Mike,  is the first full time trainer here at HBHS. Mike is a great new asset to Hollis Brookline as he specializes in strength training. Mike graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 2009 with a Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine and a concentration in Athletic Training. He has worked for the past six years in high schools, strength and conditioning gyms, and sports medicine clinics.

Mike handles every sports team here at HBHS, and meets with students every day to make sure that they can perform to the best of their ability, whether on the field, the court, or the ice. When talking to the volleyball coach, Rebecca Balfour, she shared how Mike has contributed to keeping her team the best in the league, “He is great, he makes sure that all of my players are ready for their games”.

A few weeks ago, Mike worked with the field hockey team, one on one, to show them how they should position themselves and switch directions in order to avoid injuries such as sprained ankles, and torn ACLs. Captain Meg Hill ‘18 said, “He is magical; he fixed my leg right away during tryouts”.

This year, Mike plans on redoing the weight room; he wants to “get rid of unsafe equipment and get new machines for all athletes”. The weight room is used for not only sports teams but  also gym classes as well, so it is vital that it is a safe environment for students.

“Mike is a great asset to the school and I am excited to see what he will do,” mentioned Balfour. Having a full time trainer will make athletes stronger and safer so that the school’s sports will dominate in their upcoming seasons.