Alexandria Marsh didn’t wait long for an opportunity to return to West Texas.
Marsh, who graduated with a master’s degree in sports medicine from Texas Tech University in May, is the new Snyder ISD athletic trainer. She replaced Steve Krueger, who retired after 30 years.
“I grew up in Arlington, which is such a big place and never felt I belonged there,” Marsh said. “Texas Tech was the only school I visited and applied and fell in love with Lubbock and West Texas. I saw Snyder was hiring and wanted to get back to West Texas. The people are so friendly. You don’t get that living in the Metroplex. Everyone I met has been friendly and treats you like family.”
Marsh said replacing Krueger, who worked for six head coaches and developed the district’s sports medicine program, will be tough.
“I do have big shoes to fill and live up to a lot of people’s expectations,” Marsh said. “I believe working at Snyder will make me a better athletic trainer in the long run. Plus, I have Krueger as a mentor.”
Marsh was an intern with Lubbock area high schools during her undergraduate years. She also helped schools during graduate school.
“I worked with Monterey and Levelland high schools, and Texas Tech volleyball and football while in graduate school,” Marsh said. “I played sports all of my life and wanted to work with athletes. I just didn’t know how and got a taste of it when I had knee surgery at 17. I decided that is what I wanted to do. I was looking at physical therapy, but then realized I wanted to get into athletic training.”
Marsh looks forward to establishing a daily routine for all Snyder teams.
“I will go where I’m needed,” Marsh said. “Of course, football will be a priority in the fall with baseball and softball in the spring, depending on who is playing at home. It will be the same for basketball. All of the teams are important.”
Marsh said her goal is to serve the needs of the student-athletes.
“I want people to look at me and not be upset because Kruger left,” Marsh said. “I want them to know that I do know what I’m doing and the athletes to respect me. I want the athletic training students to be inspired and become an athletic trainer in the future.”