GFS Junior Projects bring students to locations all across Philadelphia, an embodiment of the school’s value of embracing the city. These one-month internships, apprenticeships, and other in-the-field experiences take place each January, and open pathways for juniors to explore possible career paths, as well as different neighborhoods and areas of Philly. 

Brooke Williams '26 lives in Elkins Park, so the first challenge of her Junior Project working at University of Pennsylvania Athletics was learning a new commute. 

“My commute here is about 30 or 40 minutes long,” she reported. “Now I know how to take the train into University City!”

Williams originally wanted to do her Junior Project in her dermatologist’s office—she’s long imagined being a dermatologist one day. However, when she found out that she wouldn’t be able to do any hands-on work without certifications, she changed course. A classmate, Graciela Preetam ’26, was already planning to do her Junior Project at UPenn Athletics and encouraged Williams to apply as well.

The two began interning there at the beginning of January, before Penn’s students were back from winter break. It was quiet at the time, but as soon as the student-athletes returned, the training room began bustling. Working with Anthony Braun MS, LAT, ATC, CES, an assistant athletic trainer, Williams and Preetam spent most of their days helping with much-needed maintenance tasks, like laundering towels and restocking and organizing supplies. 

The training room, which includes hot and cold plunge tubs, weights, foam rolling stations, and a number of examination tables, serves students from some of Penn’s indoor sports teams, like basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and gymnastics. Student-athletes come in to warm up for practices and recover and rehab from injuries (serious or chronic injuries are sent to the physical therapy clinic at the UPenn Hospital). The trainers make the call when students are able to get back to practice and game-play post-injury.

Braun said that having the extra help from the GFS juniors was beneficial as the team of five trainers started the pre-season preparations.

“The training room can get pretty packed with athletes, especially when teams practice at the same time. We're all kind of running around, treating a few people at once, and when we need things like more towels, having Brooke and Graciela able to assist has been very helpful.”

Though they’re not able to provide care to injured or recovering athletes, Braun encourages Williams and Preetam to observe whenever possible. 

“They’ve watched me with the athletes, and asked things like, ‘Why would you do that versus this? What are some ways you would work on that issue? I see you stretching their hips a lot—why are you doing that?’” Braun said.

Preetam, who would like to pursue a career in athletic training, and Williams, who has developed an interest in the field because of this Junior Project, have both gained valuable experiences on the job. They’ve spent a lot of time discussing common injuries and learning about alternative therapies, like cryotherapy, with Braun.

“We talked a lot about ACL tears and getting athletes back to where they originally were,” said Williams. “I get to watch when he helps students, and the other day I was wrapping one of the trainer’s ankles to try it out.” 

She also said that she’s learned how to keep her cool when things get hectic in the training room.

“When people start storming in, you can feel overwhelmed pretty quickly,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot of patience, which is good.”

Preetam and Williams also reported that they enjoyed the tight-knit, supportive atmosphere among the trainers and athletes they encountered during their Junior Project. 

“Everyone has been so nice,” Williams said. “It’s like a family here.”