Celebrating National Athletic Training Month: Serving Crossroads Athletes Year-Round

3/5/2026

Every March, healthcare organizations across the country observe National Athletic Training Month (NATM), recognizing the critical role athletic trainers play in keeping athletes healthy, safe and performing at their best. Here in the Crossroads, that impact is felt every day — and every season — through the dedicated work of DeTar Sports Medicine’s Stephanie Schuckenbrock and Candie Ray.

For Stephanie and Candie, athletic training is far more than standing on the sidelines Friday nights. It’s early mornings in the training room, long afternoons evaluating injuries, summer tournaments in the Texas heat and countless follow-up conversations to ensure athletes stay on track with recovery. Together, they share their time, talents and decades of experience with schools and teams across the region.

Stephanie has served as an athletic trainer for 26 years, and Candie for 30. In 2018, they helped formally launch the DeTar sports medicine program, expanding DeTar’s commitment to caring for local athletes and strengthening partnerships with area schools and organizations. Since then, the program has continued to grow, supporting athletes from Texas A&M University–Victoria, Victoria Independent School District and St. Joseph High School, while also assisting programs in Hallettsville, Hallettsville Sacred Heart, Calhoun and Cuero over the years. During the summer months, they cover every inning for the Victoria Generals baseball team.

Their work often begins long before kickoff. From taping ankles and conducting injury evaluations to coordinating physician referrals and developing rehabilitation plans, Stephanie and Candie serve as a vital link between athletes, parents, coaches and healthcare providers. They also help coordinate community athletic physicals in partnership with DeTar’s residency and REAP clinics — ensuring student-athletes are prepared and cleared for competition each season.

“Athletic training requires both clinical knowledge and strong communication,” Schuckenbrock explained. “Because we are not with every athlete daily, we focus on education and accountability. We make sure each athlete understands their rehabilitation protocol, why it matters and what’s required for a safe return to play. Then we follow up to support them throughout the process.”

Community partners say that dedication is evident in the way Stephanie and Candie care for student-athletes across the region.

“Stephanie and Candie’s service to our community is greatly appreciated,” said Jacob Vasquez, athletic director, football coach and track coach for St. Joseph High School.

“The care they provide for us is second to none,” said Vasquez. “Although they are not employees of the school, they treat our athletes like they are their own. I have been impressed by their knowledge, professionalism and attentiveness. We are grateful for all the time they spend on Crossroads athletes.”

Their support extends to collegiate athletics as well. At Texas A&M University–Victoria, the pair have become trusted members of the baseball program.

“I am so glad that these two are being recognized,” said Jonathan Stavinoha, head baseball coach for A&M-Victoria. “Stephanie goes above and beyond to help coordinate events and support our athletes.” Stavinoha says Ray’s presence with the team has become something players look forward to each day.

“In our mind, Candie is just as much a part of our team as any player,” he added. “When she walks through the door, our athletes’ faces light up with joy just knowing she is there. She goes out of her way to make sure we get the help we need no matter what she has going on. She will always have a special place in the hearts of A&M-Victoria baseball players.”

While fans may see them sprinting onto the field in response to an injury or monitoring athletes under the Friday night lights, much of their impact happens behind the scenes. They are trusted voices in moments of uncertainty — assessing concussions, managing heat-related illnesses, guiding post-surgical recovery and helping young athletes rebuild confidence after setbacks.

“We are proud to recognize the dedication and knowledge of our athletic trainers during National Athletic Training Month,” said Brett Maxfield, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System. “Stephanie and Candie are highly skilled healthcare professionals whose commitment to injury prevention, treatment and athlete safety makes a lasting difference for individuals and families throughout the Crossroads.”

National Athletic Training Month offers an opportunity to shine a light on a profession that blends quick thinking, compassionate care and deep medical knowledge. For DeTar Sports Medicine, it also highlights a program rooted in community partnership and a shared mission: keeping Crossroads athletes healthy, resilient and ready to compete.

As we celebrate this month, we recognize that athletic trainers are more than sideline support. They are healthcare professionals, educators and advocates — and thanks to Stephanie Schuckenbrock and Candie Ray, Crossroads athletes have care in their corner year-round.

Back