By Martin Loughney ‘20

Kyle Watson is the head athletic trainer and a teacher here at Brother Rice. Mr. Watson grew up on the south side of Chicago and graduated from Argo High School. He later attended Northern Illinois University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2014.

Mr. Watson learned of his love for athletic training in high school when he took an athletic training class, a class that he currently teaches at Brother Rice today. Before coming to Brother Rice, Mr. Watson has worked for the professional baseball team the Schaumburg Boomers and for the Chicago Bliss football team.

Mr. Watson is an extremely committed member of Brother Rice’s staff. He teaches a rigorous Athletic Training course, and then stays after school to help treat and rehabilitate Brother Rice’s athletes. He also attends every Brother Rice home game and tournament.

“As an athletic trainer, my goal is to provide the best possible treatment for my athletes. I love the relationships that I form with the people that I treat. It is what makes this job truly rewarding and special,” Mr. Watson said.

I am currently enrolled in Mr. Watson’s athletic training class, and although I just failed one of his tests, I can say that it is one of my favorite classes. I find his knowledge and ability to recite anatomy astonishing.

Mr. Watson said, “I love teaching my athletic training class because this was the way that I got started in athletic training. I love the idea that I can help to influence a student to become an athletic trainer and have a positive influence on his life.”

In his spare time, Mr. Watson, who is a lifelong baseball fan, enjoys playing baseball, watching the Blackhawks, and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.