Brianna Millard, the director of sports medicine and athletic trainer at CHS, has a strong passion for sports and assisting student athletes. Her work with student athletes has influenced Carlsbad’s athletics program by helping athletes perform at their best and unifying the sports program.
At first, Millard wanted to have a career as an orthopedic surgeon, however, her different priorities throughout the years laid the foundation for her success with her current job. She wanted to give aid to people before emergency services became involved.
“I’m a social person and I needed to do something that [involved talking to people], ” Millard said. “Being able to help [people] before they get in the hospital.”
Brianna’s influence on our school goes further than just the athletes, she oversees the sports medicine program that allows students to shadow her as she works. The students get medical lessons and receive education on how to treat different cases.
“It allows them to have a hands-on experience of learning,” Millard said. “[There] are so many kids that are interested in this field.”
Even with her success, Briana has faced many challenges over the years. Being the only athletic trainer with the many rigorous sports per season at CHS is a demanding role.
“I still feel after 15 years of being certified that I still have imposter syndrome on the daily,” Millard said. “Mentally I always ask if ‘am I good enough to do this?’”
Brianna studied at California State University, Northridge, and received her masters at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Though sports medicine is a rewarding job, it requires a great amount of training to become certified.
“For me it was a bachelor’s degree in athletic training, and then I got my masters separate from athletic training,” Millard said. “You [apply] to a specialized program [with] a clinical rotation and then you sit for your board exams.”
Brianna was present as part of the athletic trainers group at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) symposium. She was able to represent Carlsbad High as one of the athletic trainers.
“We were invited to be a table of athletic trainers and present at the symposium,” Millard said. “[We] talked with the athletic directors and administrators.”
Briana has worked at many high schools over the years such as Del Norte Highschool. At the Carlsbad vs. Del Norte Highschool football game in 2018, she met Larry Duensing, the previous CHS athletic trainer, who wanted her to come work for CHS.
“He liked my personality and how much I love what I do,” Millard said. “How passionate I am [and] said he wanted me to apply.”
Brianna has played a significant impact on her sports medicine program with students. She has taught her students lessons that go further than learning how to give treatment.
“Watching Bre speak to athletes, she is so patient and empathetic,” junior Hana Chase said. “She has a hard job [but] always puts herself in our shoes.”
Brianna Millard’s journey has left a lasting impact on Carlsbad sports, continually helping to improve the program. Her experiences throughout her career, along with her meaningful connections with student athletes, have made her an important part of the Carlsbad community.
“Once I saw a job that allowed me to practice sideline medicine and that had a [element] of physical therapy,” Millard explained. “I was sold and I never looked back.”
