This fall, athletic trainer Angie Purchio joined the Upper School athletics team, filling a position that has remained open for over a year. Last year, approximately 30 different people covered the position, resulting in inconsistent support for injured athletes, according to Director of Athletics Brett McCabe.

As an athletic trainer, Purchio helps with the care, prevention, and rehab of injured athletes. In her free time, she spends time with her fiancé, dog, and nephews. A self-described family-oriented person, Purchio brings her nurturing spirit into her work with students. At Nueva, Purchio hopes to support athletes both physically and mentally.

“For a lot of people, their identity is athletics, and when they get injured they lose that,” Purchio said.

She enjoys working with students and is proud to have inspired one of her former athletes to pursue a career as an athletic trainer—a path he has now been following for the past four to five years.

“It’s cool to see others grow and know that you were a part of their journey, inspiring them to do what they love to do,” Purchio said.

Purchio shared her excitement about joining the Nueva community and highlighted one of her favorite aspects of being an athletic trainer—the variety of tasks every day: “I always say we’re the jack of all trades, but master of none,” she joked.

During the school day, Purchio can be found attending Nueva sports games, treating injuries, and developing personalized recovery plans for student-athletes. Looking ahead, she intends to collaborate with McCabe to hire a team doctor and continue expanding the school’s athletic training program.

Her advice to student-athletes? “Don’t be afraid to come see me with an injury. Even if you’re not quite sure what’s going on, just come see me. I can help you and we can work to prevent it from becoming more than it is.”