FEATURE 15
Springs, Colo. Whenever she has a chance, she still works with athletes around the country in such sports as sprint kayaking, BMX and archery.
Even though she doesn't like to see it happen, Miyazawa really earns her keep when a player gets seriously injured, such as when players tore their ACLs in the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Miyazawa says when a serious injury like that occurs, she has to work extra hard for the player to get them back on their feet.
"I pretty much see them every day after they get injured," Mizawaza said.
Williams had to experience that care after she tore her ACL in the 2007 season. Through that hardship, Williams found a new friend in Miyazawa.
"Aimee is one of my closest friends because we spent so much time with each other," Williams says. "There was a level of trust and love that was built back and forth just by her bedside manner."
Williams says that Miyazawa gave her exceptional care both physically and mentally. But even though there was the love, Williams says Miyazawa was stern and would not baby Williams during her rehab.
"It wasn't like'Aww, let me get this for you,' it was more like 'Brittany, stand up, heel toe, and get across there and get it," Williams says.
Williams says she knows Miyazawa meant the best and that if she wasn't so stern, the team wouldn't stay as healthy.
It's that kind of care that makes Miyazawa much more than a trainer.
Other players who haven't had as serious of an injury as Williams also rave about Miyazawa. Garlington says Miyazawa is always there for players when they need to talk, no matter what the subject.
"She's like the team mom," Garlington says. "She takes care of everything we could possibly ask of her."
Garlington says Miyazawa will always drop everything she is doing to help a player. She and Williams both agree that Miyazawa is much more than just a trainer: She is part of the team.
"She has so much fire," Williams says. "She gets so into the game. It's like she's actually out there playing with us. She has that much enthusiasm and that's why we love her."
Ryan Waggoner/KANSAN
Miyazawa provides care for players who need to be rehabilitated after injuries. She pushes to players to help themselves get better.
THE WAVE SEPTEMBER 18,2009
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN