Bob Jones University junior Ella Swift, a Bunker Hill, Illinois, native, is gaining extensive hands-on sports medicine experience this semester through her internship with the BJU Bruins athletics staff.
Swift works directly with Bruins athletic trainers Sharmaine Barnes and Kyrie Gogolin, assisting in daily operations that support student-athlete health and performance. Her responsibilities include maintaining a sterile and safe treatment environment, running individualized rehabilitation programs and helping administer various therapeutic treatments. These treatments range from massage, cupping and scraping to electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, icing and heating.
Swift says the internship has already played a significant role in her professional growth. “This internship has helped me grow my communication skills, leadership abilities, and professionalism,” she said. “It has been a privilege to learn from Sharmaine and Kyrie, who have given me numerous opportunities for hands-on experience to gain confidence and competence in my abilities as a future athletic trainer.”
Through this opportunity, Swift is developing practical skills essential for her future career while contributing meaningfully to the health and success of Bruins athletes.
