M-A’s Sports Medicine class introduced this year has been decided to be dropped for the 2026-27 school year. Available to juniors and seniors, the class focuses on human anatomy and physical injury. The course is another addition to M-A’s vast Career Technical Education (CTE) program which exposes students to career and post-education choices.
The class is taught by Stephanie Mock, who is also an athletic trainer at M-A. “What we do is actually teach what I do in a nutshell. I wrote the class for the district. It’s the first CTE [about] health, science and medical technologies in probably 10 plus years,” Mock said.
“I took the class because I love playing sports and was interested in getting to know more about athletic training,” junior Brooke Ver Ploeg said. The course provides students who have a passion in the medical field a pathway to learning more about the human body and injury prevention.
Students have the opportunity to participate in working both inside the classroom and in the Athletic Training Room (ATR). Inside the ATR, students can work with student-athletes and certified athletic trainers in the field.
“I chose to take Sports Medicine because I would like to go pre-med in college and thought this class would help provide a pathway for that major,” junior Ella Badawi said.
Led by Mock, students participate in hands-on laboratories while also learning about principles and practices of sports medicine and human anatomy. Students also complete group projects each semester, including an Emergency Action Plan and a health plan project, which include collaborating with the Nutrition and Algebra 2 teachers.
On the course selection form for next year, Sports Medicine was listed as an option, but was taken off the list last-minute.
Many students currently taking the course do not know why it will not be provided this year. “I think it would be unfortunate if other students weren’t provided with the opportunity to take this class next year especially if they are interested in biology or pre-med,” Badawi said.
“While several students have shared their disappointment that the course will not be offered next year, I was not provided with specific information by Mr. Losekoot or Mrs. Rigotti regarding why my teaching contract or the Introduction to Sports Medicine course will not continue next year,” Mock said.
Although this is unfortunate, Mock remains optimistic. “Life can be difficult, and we will all make mistakes. What matters most is not the mistake itself, but the lesson we learn from it.” Mock said. “Strive to learn, grow, and always do your best to become the person you aspire to be.”
