On the sidelines: Kacelyn Cadena's commitment to athlete care

Athens, Ga. (April 23, 2026) - If there’s an athletic event happening, chances are Kacelyn Cadena, LAT, ATC, of Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is there. Whether it’s under the stadium lights on a football Wednesday, at a volleyball match or along a cross-country course, Cadena is a familiar and reassuring presence—ready with tape, ice, encouragement and expertise. Through a partnership between Piedmont Athens Regional and Malcom Bridge Middle School, Cadena serves as the school’s athletic trainer, she plays a vital role in keeping student-athletes healthy, safe, and prepared to perform at their best.

Cadena’s path into athletic training began long before she ever stood on a sideline. Her interest was sparked in middle school, when she spent time watching her older brother’s high school football practices. It was there she first noticed the athletic trainer, not just observing from the sidelines, but actively supporting athletes during practices and games. Curious and inspired, Cadena became a student aide, quickly discovering how much she enjoyed being part of the action and helping athletes behind the scenes.

Her passion for the field deepened through personal experience. After sustaining an injury herself and going through a lengthy recovery process, Cadena gained firsthand insight into the physical and mental challenges athletes face while rehabilitating. Athletic trainers at her high school took time to teach her foundational skills like taping, basic anatomy and injury evaluation—knowledge that helped her return to playing and, ultimately, solidified her desire to pursue athletic training as a career.

“Those experiences combined really shaped my passion,” Cadena said. “I saw how much athletic trainers can impact an athlete’s ability to recover, stay confident, and return safely.”

While many people see athletic trainers only during games, Cadena is quick to point out that much of the work happens out of sight. Her role extends far beyond practices and competitions. Behind the scenes, she designs rehabilitation programs, evaluates both acute and overuse injuries, determines the most effective treatment modalities, documents care, communicates with physicians and parents and ensures equipment meets safety standards.

“The list really goes on,” she said. “I don’t just show up and sit on the sidelines. There’s a lot of planning, coordination, and responsibility involved every single day.”

That responsibility only grows during busy seasons. In the fall alone, Cadena balances coverage for football, softball, volleyball and cross country—often with overlapping practices and games throughout the week. Football practices run Monday through Thursday, with Wednesday designated as game day. Softball and volleyball commonly have two games per week, whether home or away, while cross country practices daily and competes in one meet each week. On top of that, Cadena often assists with additional game coverage at the high school level.

Preparation is key to managing both the pace and the pressure. At the start of each season, Cadena reviews emergency action plans with coaches to ensure everyone understands procedures before an emergency ever occurs. She also speaks with student-athletes about proper hydration and nutrition, reinforcing habits that help prevent injury and promote performance. Weather conditions are continuously monitored, and she works closely with coaches to adjust practices or games when safety is a concern.

“I also make a point to re-emphasize my role,” Cadena said. “I want coaches and athletes to feel comfortable coming to me early, before something minor becomes a bigger issue.”

One moment, however, stands out as a powerful reminder of why preparation matters. During a competition several years ago, an athlete sustained a fractured femur—an injury that required immediate and decisive action. Cadena quickly activated the emergency action plan, kept the athlete calm, and coordinated with coaches to clear the area. As coaches flagged down an ambulance, she worked alongside first responders to safely transfer the athlete onto a stretcher, remaining with them until they were transported.

About a week later, Cadena received an email from the team’s coach addressed to school administration and staff, recognizing the care provided in that critical moment.

“That situation has always stayed with me,” she said. “I was proud because I was able to execute the emergency action plan exactly as it was designed, stay calm under pressure and make a real difference for that athlete.”

That commitment to preparation, professionalism, and compassion has made Cadena a trusted and indispensable presence within the athletic program, ensuring teams are not only competitive but genuinely cared for. Although much of her work takes place behind the scenes, its impact is evident every time an athlete takes the field feeling supported, protected, and prepared to perform. This same standard of comprehensive, athlete-centered care is reflected at Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, which provides expert orthopedic and sports medicine services for athletes of all ages and skill levels through its offices in Athens and Monroe.