As the Hamilton Southeastern Basketball Cheer season continues, junior Isabelle Holle has found support in places she never expected. While cheerleading demands physical strength and long hours of practice, Izzy’s experience has shown her that athletic trainers play a much larger role than just treating injuries. Through her relationship with athletic trainer Jenna Casale, Izzy has discovered how important trust and connection are in a student-athletes journey.
Holle first began to understand the impact of athletic trainers during her freshman year, when a back injury forced her to step away from the mat.
“I had my first injury my freshman year, when I had my first back injury,” Holle said. “I didn’t really realize the potential that athletic trainers had.”
As Izzy continued competing in both competitive and basketball cheer, she spent more time in the training room. What started as injury treatment quickly became something more personal, built through frequent interactions and trust.
“I feel like I have received so much support from Jenna, whether it’s just physical support or our little talks when she’s taping me,” Holle said. “I always ask her about her nails and she asks about mine, and I tell her about my plans, so it’s like we have built a friendship.”
From Casale’s perspective, seeing Holle across multiple cheer seasons has strengthened their relationship. Being around her more consistently allowed her better understand how to support Holle both mentally and physically.
“I have gotten to know her more since she does football, competitive, and basketball cheer,” Casale said. “Spending more time together, I know the best ways to help her mentally and physically when she comes to the training room and needs something.”
That connection extends beyond just one athlete. Casale has found that earning Holle’s trust has had a broader impact on her teammates as well.
“As an athletic trainer, I’ve been able to build trust with Izzy, and in doing so I get the support from her that helps other student athletes or her teammates know they can trust me too,” Casale said. “Then kids don’t try to hide injuries or know they can come see me if something is bothering them.”
Despite the trust they have built over time, both Holle and Casale believe much of their effort often goes unnoticed. Holle explained that cheerleading is frequently overlooked as a demanding sport, even though it requires intense physical training.
“I do think cheer gets overlooked,” Holle said. “We tumble, do stunts, and practice for eight to nine hours a week.”
Casale agreed, noting that many people don’t see the work athletic trainers put in behind the scenes.
“I think it’s sometimes easy for everyone to be so focused on what they’re doing that they miss what others are doing too,” Casale said. “People don’t always realize how much work we both put in away from what they see at games or events.”
She said that athletic training involves much more than what people see on the sidelines.
“Events don’t magically get set up, and kids don’t get healthy without us working behind the scenes to communicate with parents, doctors, and coaches,” Casale said. “Along with working hard in the training room with rehab exercises and treatments to get everyone back to activity as soon as possible, in a safe and effective way.”
Although much of their work happens out of the spotlight, the relationship between Casale and Holle highlights the importance of trust, communication, and dedication in high school athletics.
“At the end of the day, it’s not just about getting athletes back on the mat,” Casale said. “It’s about making sure they feel supported, cared for, and confident every time they walk through our door.”
Casale, alongside fellow athletic trainers Heather Bowen and Ariel lee, work daily to provide that same care and support to athletes across all programs at Hamilton Southeastern. For Holle, that support has made all the difference throughout her cheer career.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without Jenna’s help,” Holle said. “She is just like any other one of my teammates.”
