March is National Athletic Training Month (NATM), and we are proud to share Shaniece's story as a celebration of the individuals who continue to make a difference in the profession.
 
Shaniece Jackson '16 is the first black female hired as an athletic trainer by the Philadelphia Eagles. Jackson, who served as a seasonal intern with the Eagles in 2020, was recently named to the team's full-time staff as an assistant athletic trainer.
 
"It's really an honor and a dream come true to be the first Black female athletic trainer for the Philadelphia Eagles," Jackson said. "I want to continue serving as a role model, mentor, and inspiration for other females and people of color and letting them know they can achieve anything they put their minds to."
 
For Jackson, it was an unconventional path to the professional ranks considering that many in the sports medicine field begin as an athletic training major during their undergraduate years. At Shippensburg, Jackson majored in exercise science and minored in psychology.
 
She spent three years as a work-study student with the SU Department of Sports Medicine. There was no requirement for a set amount of hours to work, or an internship to maintain. What was present was a genuine commitment to investigating the profession of athletic training – spending extra time with the SU staff and asking questions when they arose.    
 
It was a passion that Jackson developed, through hard work and commitment, and then vigorously pursued.
 
"What cemented knowing that I wanted to work in athletic training was the ability to work with student-athletes, which I was at the time, and knowing that I could relate to their situation with an injury they face during their time as an athlete," Jackson said. "I loved being able to work with so many different sports. I had interest in both basketball and football at the time, but there was a point where I loved covering softball and lacrosse as well. I just knew whatever sport I was going to work, I was going to do it with passion, and I wanted to help others any way I could.
 
Sports is a familiar realm for Jackson, who played in 85 games for the SU women's basketball team from 2012-16. She was also a resident assistant on campus. Given her industrious schedule, most of the games that Jackson worked for sports medicine were in the fall and the spring.
 
"A fond memory I have at Ship is working my first football game," Jackson said. "I'll never forget the excitement and energy surrounding the players, coaches, and staff leading up to the game. It was a great experience and ultimately why football became the main sport in which I wanted to work as an athletic trainer."
 
Upon her graduation from Shippensburg, Jackson enrolled in a master's program for athletic training at Florida International University (FIU). During her graduate studies, Jackson garnered significant practical experience, including a summer internship with the Minnesota Vikings. She earned her master's degree in athletic training from FIU in 2018.
 
"After my time at Ship, and while attending FIU, I knew for sure I wanted to work football once I interned with the Minnesota Vikings," Jackson said. "I had an incredible opportunity to work with their sports medicine staff and learn from some of the best athletic trainers, physical therapists, and physicians. That summer, I knew football was the sport that I would ultimately end up following my passion to work with."
 
Jackson credited football's unique comradery and unifying characteristics for her appreciation of the sport.
 
"When it comes to covering football, I enjoy the most that it can be anyone's game," Jackson said. "Everyone is passionate about what they do, from the coaches all the way down to the players, and there's a special energy that football has that's indescribable."
 
Following receipt of her master's degree, Jackson became the head athletic trainer at Doral Academy Preparatory School, where she worked for two years. She also began her doctoral studies at FIU, which she hopes to complete later this year.
 
Jackson's doctoral capstone is centered on ways to diversify the profession of athletic training through the recruitment of minorities – a cause that is near and dear to her heart.
 
"While working at Doral Academy, I was lucky enough to mentor and supervise an athletic training club," Jackson said. "Some people at the school didn't even know what an athletic trainer was, or what we did. It was a true joy to be able to introduce minority students to the profession, and to show that people who look like them, that people of color, can hold positions in healthcare and make a difference."
 
Now, with the Eagles, Jackson has myriad daily responsibilities. She is involved with injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, and emergent care. The list does not end there. She also deals with examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and the rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. On gamedays, Jackson makes sure supplies are packed and available.
 
"What I love the most about sports medicine and athletic training is that every day is different, and you never know what you're going to see," Jackson said. "Also, you build unique relationships with your patients and athletes, which means there's never a dull moment."
 
One thing is for sure – you don't get a job with the Philadelphia Eagles – or any National Football League (NFL) team – by accident. All along the way, from Shippensburg to FIU, from the Vikings to Doral Prep, and everywhere in between, Jackson has exhibited excellence in athletic training that has caused her superiors to take notice. It all stems from an authentic commitment to the profession, and a sincere passion to help others.
 
"It's exciting to have someone to arrive at Ship and then create a career path for herself through her experience with us," said Wes Mallicone, SU director of sports medicine. "Shaniece developed a genuine interest in athletic training, she pursued it, and now she's working in our profession at the highest rank of pro sport. It's a testament to her character, and the extra time and effort that she put in, to find out what she wanted to do."
 
The Englewood, N.J. native has achieved her goal of becoming an athletic trainer with a professional sports team. It's been an incredible journey so far, but there's still a long way to go.
 
As it continues, Jackson remembers its origin.
 
"It all started with the help of Wes, Becky Fitz, Miranda Fisher and Tanya Miller at Ship," Jackson said. "All the professors I've had pushed me to accomplish the goals I set, and I'm forever thankful for that. I'm especially thankful for the opportunity I had to work with the Vikings, and now here with the Eagles."
 
If you have an Alumni story you would like us to share, please contact us! The Alumni office has a contact form (https://www.ship.edu/alumni/alumni_information_update_form/). The sports information office can be reached via e-mail at sid@ship.edu.