DECATUR, Ga. - Agnes Scott College would like to celebrate the incredible contributions of our Head Athletic Trainer, Rudae Gadson, during National Athletic Training Month. Rudae oversees the athletic training, rehabilitation and ongoing injury prevention efforts for all six Agnes Scott sports. We took some time out to ask Rudae about her career this week. Rudae is a constant presence for Agnes Scott, and in a short time, she has made a huge impact on the lives of our student athletes, coaches, and families. 

Can you tell us about your experience as a student and/or student athlete, and how that impacted your choice of career in Athletic Training?
Growing up I played a variety of sports in high school and played softball in college. One of my first injuries was a sprained ankle which resulted in having to take some time off. Ultimately this resulted in me developing a great relationship with my Athletic trainer in high school. This also was where I learned about the career of athletic training. Growing up I always knew I wanted to do something within the medical field but never was able to pinpoint what I wanted to do. After getting injured and seeing the way my athletic trainer impacted me I was able to come to a decision. To me the career was the perfect blend of staying within sports and staying within the medical field. Having come to this realization, I was able to have more appreciation for my athletic trainer once I got into college. My collegiate athletic trainer allowed me to intern in our athletic training room where I also got to learn more about the profession. Additionally, from being an athlete I feel that I can relate to many athletes allowing me to have more understanding for what they go through on a day to day basis.

What is the most exciting part of your current role?
The most exciting part of my current role is being able to see my student athletes thrive on and off the field/court. I enjoy seeing the athlete through their entire recovery from start to finish. Being able to provide an athlete with the necessary tools and treatment to get them back to their sport is extremely rewarding. Many athletes come to me not only for injuries but also to talk about their academic struggles that ultimately lead to academic success. I enjoy being there for them through the challenges of being a college student athlete, and being able to support them no matter what the situation. I will always celebrate their wins, big or small, and motivate them during their collegiate careers.

For future student-athletes at the collegiate level, and their families, what is one piece of advice you can give them to help make their athletic careers great from an Athletic Training perspective?
Health is wealth. As an athletic trainer my concern is not only for their current health but only their long term health. I would inform them on the importance of proper hydration and nutrition as it has an impact on both current and long term health. Additionally I would inform them on the importance of keeping their body moving, yes even during off season. As an athlete, continuing to strength train and stretch is important to prevent injuries. My overall piece of advice is to take care of your body and instill good habits outside of your sport.

Rudae joined Agnes Scott's staff in the Summer of 2024. She joined the Scottie family after finishing her Master's Degree at Central Connecticut State University. During her undergraduate career, she was a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas College softball team. She received her Bachelor's Degree in kinesiology and exercise science from St. Thomas Aquinas.