The heart of athletic training with Woodland High School's Leslie Raiford

Stockbridge, Ga. (April 1, 2026) — At Woodland High School, the sidelines are always busy. Cleats skid, whistles shriek, coaches strategize, parents cheer—and woven into the center of it all is Athletic Trainer Leslie Raiford, the steady presence responsible for the health, safety and confidence of more than 400 student‑athletes across 16 sports.

For Raiford, athletic training is more than a job. It’s a calling.

“I’ve always had a passion for sports, health care, and helping others,” she says. “Through athletic training I support student‑athletes during the most challenging and the most rewarding parts of their athletic careers. From emergency care to returning to sport, I’m there for them every step of the way.”

More than tape and ice packs

While many people associate athletic trainers with fixing sprains or taping ankles, Raiford says much of her role is rooted in something less visible: relationships.

“Building trust within the school community is a huge part of my job,” she explains. “Athletes depend on me to advocate for them. Parents need to know I have their child’s best interests at heart. And coaches rely on me to keep their athletes healthy and safe.”

That trust is built one conversation, one evaluation, and one moment of reassurance at a time. Over the years, Raiford has become an essential connector—frequently the person who communicates between athletes, families, coaches, school staff and health care providers.

A week in the life: Fast, full and always changing

With multiple sports in season, Raiford’s schedule shifts daily. She estimates she provides care for approximately 400 student-athletes—a workload that demands preparation, adaptability and calm under pressure.

Each day begins with setting up practices and games, taping and bracing athletes and delivering injury-prevention support. From there, she moves into a steady rotation of recovery work, rehab sessions and new injury evaluations—often on a tight clock.

Then comes game coverage, where Raiford prioritizes the highest-risk contact sports but remains ready to jump between fields as needed.

“I truly enjoy the varying sports throughout the week,” she says. “It gives me the chance to spend time with every team.”

Safety starts long before the first whistle

To the athletes and coaches, Raiford is the reassuring face on the sideline—but her safety planning starts well before anyone steps onto the field.

She creates and rehearses emergency action plans for each event site. She constantly monitors the weather, ensuring the school is prepared to address heat, lightning and sudden temperature changes. She checks that automated external defibrillators (AEDs), cooling stations and other emergency items are in place and ready.

And she collaborates closely with coaches to design injury‑prevention programs tailored to each team’s needs.

A proud moment: Inspiring the next generation

For all the injuries healed and emergencies prevented, Raiford’s proudest moment didn’t happen during a game at all.

Early in her career, one of Woodland’s football coaches often brought his seventh‑grade daughter to help with water and small tasks. The girl began following Raiford everywhere—watching her problem‑solve, care for athletes and lead confidently in a male‑dominated sport environment.

“She was my ‘mini‑me,’” Raiford recalls.

Years later, at the girl’s 2025 graduation, she handed Raiford a handwritten note. In it, she thanked Raiford for showing a shy young girl that women belong anywhere—including on the football field.

That young woman is now pursuing a degree in athletic training.

“Definitely my most memorable proud moment so far,” Raiford says.

The quiet power of athletic trainers

Athletic trainers like Leslie Raiford embody a unique combination of medical skill, mentorship, and crisis readiness. They prevent injuries, respond in emergencies, and help young athletes push through some of life’s toughest challenges. But they also lift spirits, build confidence and open doors.

In every ankle wrapped, every crisis averted, and every young person inspired, Raiford’s work reminds us that athletic trainers are not just supporting athletes—they’re shaping futures.

Supported by a team committed to athlete care

Athletic trainers like Leslie Raiford don’t work alone — and that support matters. Through Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta, Raiford and her colleagues are backed by a comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine team dedicated to keeping athletes healthy at every level of play.

Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta provides athletic trainers with access to physicians, specialists, rehabilitation services and advanced resources that allow for seamless continuity of care — from initial injury evaluation to recovery and return to sport. This partnership ensures student‑athletes receive expert medical support while staying where they belong: learning, growing and competing safely.

Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta proudly supports the professionals who stand on the front lines of athlete safety every day. Together, they form a team committed not just to sports performance, but to long‑term health, opportunity and inspiration — on and off the field.