Maryanne Rawlings

Maryanne Rawlings is thrilled to be an integral part of the GFS athletic program.  She has been the school’s Athletic Trainer since 2007. Athletic Trainers are allied health professionals who undergo rigorous education. First comes a combination of undergraduate study mixed with many clinical hours, followed by a national exam to become a certified athletic trainer. When you see the letters “ATC” after Maryanne’s name, know that this represents her certification for years of hard work and study. Maryanne observes that people often confuse Athletic Trainers with personal fitness trainers.  She is careful to note that her profession is not about strength and conditioning. “Athletic Training is devoted to injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation,” Maryanne explains.

Maryanne first became interested in the field when she was a student at Upper Perkiomen High School.  The school’s full-time athletic trainer had a program for students to assist her. Maryanne joined the program in her freshman year and assisted the athletic trainer all through high school. “She was a great mentor and role model,” Maryanne comments.  The experience was so rewarding that Maryanne knew she wanted to become a certified athletic trainer herself.  “When I was picking colleges, I chose solely on the quality of their Athletic Training program, because I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”  

Maryanne selected Towson University in Maryland, where she studied Athletic Training while simultaneously obtaining a heath education teaching certificate and doing student teaching.  She then went to Portland State University in Oregon, where she worked as a graduate assistant in the women’s soccer program while completing her Master’s in Education.  Following her turn on the west coast, Maryanne returned to this area and became Athletic Trainer at Hamilton West High School in Hamilton, New Jersey.  She was there for two years before coming to GFS.

During the school day Maryanne teaches eighth grade sexuality education, which was the subject of her Master’s thesis. And working as athletic trainer in the athletics program gives her the opportunity to get to know both middle and upper school athletes. Having both jobs enables her to see the students in the classrooms and on the fields, and encounter them over a wide range of ages.  Maryanne loves being able to teach students when they are middle schoolers and then continue to watch them change and grow throughout the rest of their GFS careers.  This type of interaction is the best part of her job. “I like to take care of people, and I like hearing what’s going on with them every day, and being part of their lives.”  

GFS is a very fulfilling place for Maryanne. “I love the community feel here.  During my job interview at GFS, I said that I was looking for a place where I feel like I belong, where I can put down roots.”  Her wish came true. “At GFS, I immediately felt welcome.  The students made me feel incredibly at home, the parents are awesome, and this is my home away from home.”