WOODBURY – With the calendar turning to April, NHS athletic trainer and athletic director Sean McGee is doing the impossible: balancing two full-time jobs. At many high schools, the athletic director and athletic trainer are two different people. 

McGee first started working at NHS in December of 2019 as Nonnewaug’s athletic trainer. His role was to help athletes stay healthy, treat injuries, and make sure students were safe when competing. This school year, however, he took on the additional position when he became the school’s athletic director. Now he not only works with injured athletes, but he also helps the entire athletic program.

Balancing both positions can be challenging, especially during the busier sports seasons. This is due to having multiple teams competing at the same time. Still, McGee works hard to make sure athletes are supported both on and off the field. 

Is this a lot for just one person? Unquestionably yes–but if anyone can do it, it’s McGee. 

“It’s very stressful because I feel like a lot of things that are after school are on my shoulders,” McGee said. “An athletic trainer and athletic director can be split among two people; I feel like I am an organized person, and I feel I wouldn’t be able to do it if I wasn’t.”

Through two athletic seasons, both fall and winter, McGee is most certainly proving he’s cut out for this challenge, but always looking for ways to get better. 

“I am always looking for things to improve upon,” McGee said, though he recognizes that time management is critical in keeping up with both positions. “[The jobs are] strict with time management making sure that everything is done on both sides.”

 For McGee, the job is especially personal. McGee expresses the importance of kids playing sports and how the discipline of student athletes grow them into being successful adults.

“Student athletes are the most disciplined people I know,” McGee said. “The kids who want it really want it and they go above and beyond to achieve. It is important in athletics to be a role model and it helps students learn things outside of school that kids need for success.” 

Nonnewaug’s assistant principal, Declan Curtin, who was athletic director for the seven previous years, believes McGee was a strong choice for the role. And through two completed athletic seasons, McGee has proven he can do it all. 

“Sean relates very well to everybody, home and away. He’s passionate about his job. He knows a lot about the weight room and preventing injuries, which is a major part of the job.” Curtain says. “He’s excellent when problems arise. So, for me, he was the perfect hire, and very quickly, he became part of the Nonnewaug community. And we’re lucky enough that he’s stayed with us throughout the past seven years”.

Coaches say having someone who understands injuries and athlete safety being in charge of both programs is a positive advantage to the athletic department. 

Toby Deman is one of Nonnewaug’s science teachers but is also the head coach of the boys soccer team. Denman notices the additions McGee has brought to the athletic program.

“Sean is organized and dedicated as an athletic trainer; he has the best interests for our student athletes and our Nonnewaug programs. As a trainer, he’s done nothing but prove my thoughts correctly and continues to as the athletic director,” Denman says. “He is organized and gets stuff done while also communicating well when it comes to scheduling and schedule changes”.

Student athletes also notice the work McGee puts in to support every team. Senior Brynn Clampett sees first-hand the impact he’s had on the cheer team.

“This was the first year we were able to compete in cheer competitions and it made me feel that we were just as important as other sports teams at the school,” says Clampett. “He works so hard to do what’s best for us to succeed and I appreciate everything that he does to make that happen. It really shows how much he cares about our team and the school”.

Even though working two full-time roles can be demanding, McGee continues to stay dedicated to the athletic community at the school.

“I love hearing from other schools, parents, and students of how much the Nonnewaug athletics have improved this year,” stated McGee. 

By balancing all the responsibilities of both an athletic director and athletic trainer, McGee plays an important role in keeping the high school sports running smoothly. His commitment shows how much he values the success, safety, and growth of the student athletes at Nonnewaug.

With spring sports now into their second full week, McGee is proving the impossible can be done, doing two jobs simultaneously–and doing them especially well.

“The more I hear about the improvements that have been accomplished this year, and what a good job I’m doing to help build up the athletic program, it makes me happy to see that people are happy,” McGee said.