Luke Olesky: More Than Just Lowellville’s Athletic Trainer

Luke Oleksy has been Lowellville’s athletic trainer for the past two years. He attended Kent State University graduating in 2021 with a degree in athletic training. Prior to graduating, he completed rotations working at St. Vincent-St. Mary Catholic School, Cleveland Clinic Sports Rehab, and Summa Corporate Health. While attending Kent, he worked with the men’s basketball, women’s field hockey, and women’s soccer teams.

When Luke was younger he always knew he wanted to work in the medical field, but didn’t really know that he wanted to be an athletic trainer until his freshman year in college. Luke also had a love for sports, “This was a way to combine my love for sports but also to be able to start a career in the medical field as well.”

Luke’s favorite part of the job is all the people he gets to interact with. “Over my short career I have been able to work with some high-level athletes, industrial workers, children, and even some geriatric population as well.” Athletic training allows Luke to apply his skills in many different ways and with many different people, it is not just exclusive to sports. Luke dislikes that the job contains limitations. He feels like he has much more to offer but he is not allowed to use all of his tools in his toolbox because of legal and organizational boundaries. “I don’t like the feeling like I’m not able to do my job to the fullest.”

Luke makes it one of his priorities to get to know the athletes he works with and builds a strong relationship with them and their parents/guardians. “Having that rapport is vital for making scary situations go smoothly.” He likes to get to know about their personal life, home life, if they have siblings, or what their pet’s name is. He believes it is not just about getting to know their injuries. While building those strong relationships with athletes, especially seniors it’s a hard goodbye but “It’s a little more bitter sweet when it’s someone who I have worked closely with and had more time to get to know,” Olseky said.

According to Luke, one of the best feelings as an athletic trainer is when you get to watch your athlete that was injured get back to doing the things they love “It gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment.”

In his spare time, Luke enjoys golfing, playing video games, spending time with family and friends, and walking his dog, Scout. Our athletes would like to thank Luke Olesky for all the time and effort he puts in to helping these athletes everyday. Thank you for the difference you make in these kids’ lives!