By now everyone has been impacted by Covid-19 in some way, shape or form. Whether it was sports or everyday life, there had to be adjustments starting in March of 2020. For those in college needing internships and hands on experience to increase their field, the restrictions and even lack of sports make things difficult. Michael Lyons, who is training to be an athletic trainer, had to go through some of those difficulties on the outside as well as the inside.
Lyons, a Pierre native, has been recognized as the 2021 South Dakota Athletic Trainers’ Association Athletic Training Student of the Year. The award serves to recognize an athletic training student for their involvement in the athletic training profession at the school, state, or district level. Lyons attends Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD and will graduate in the spring of 2022.
In high school, Lyons was a three sport athlete, part of the Pierre Governor football team, Oahe Capitals hockey team and the Pierre baseball team until his senior year.
Lyons says this past year was difficult…
Lyons says he’s dealt with depression and self-worth and an award to this magnitude is both humbling and inspiring…
But he wants this award to help inspire others that are feeling the same way that it’s worth it and you are worth it…
Since Lyons received the award, he’s already taken a step forward because of it…
Lyons will be in Arizona with the Diamondbacks, his favorite Major League Baseball team growing up, for two weeks in August before his final football season begins.
Lyons received the award at the South Dakota Athletic Trainer’s Association annual honors and awards banquet on June 3rd in Sioux Falls, SD. Lyons will have one more of football at Presentation and then will begin Grad School.
