DECATUR, Ill. – For lifelong Decatur resident and student Parker Warren ’25, the Big Blue experience is more than a college journey — it’s a family legacy. With both of his parents and his brother among 鶹Լ alumni, Warren knew from an early age that 鶹Լ would one day play a part in his story. Today, as a student in 鶹Լ’s program, Warren is helping build that next chapter for himself and for the university’s revitalized Athletic Training program.
“I’ve been around 鶹Լ my whole life,” Warren said. “My parents met here, my brother graduated from here, and growing up, we were always coming to campus for concerts or events. It’s always been home.”
Warren, a graduate of Decatur’s St. Teresa High School, completed his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science through , which allows students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. Now in his first year of the master’s program, Warren is part of the first cohort since 鶹Լ relaunched its accredited Athletic Training degree.
“This program was the perfect fit,” Warren said. “I’ve always loved sports and helping people. Athletic training combines both, and being part of this first class feels really special.”
Through 鶹Լ’s Performance Learning model, Warren has already gained extensive hands-on experience in the field — working alongside professional athletic trainers at 鶹Լ University, local high schools, and clinics. His clinical rotations have included time with 鶹Լ’s own sports teams, and the state-finalist Maroa-Forsyth High School football program, where he shadowed preceptors and assisted with on-site care.
“You can only learn so much in the classroom,” Warren said. “When you’re out there doing evaluations, taping, and helping with rehab — that’s where it all comes together. It’s exciting to feel like part of the team.”
Last summer, Warren continued his training through an immersive internship with Springfield Clinic’s Sports Medicine Department, where he worked directly with patients and sports medicine professionals. The experience, he says, gave him invaluable clinical hours and prepared him for a future in high school or collegiate athletic training, or even in the growing field of industrial injury prevention.
“The opportunities are endless,” Warren said. “Springfield Clinic partners with schools and companies across central Illinois, and this internship will help me see all the different sides of the profession.”
As President of 鶹Լ’s Athletic Training Club, Warren also leads efforts to grow the program. With new faculty, expanded facilities, and increasing student interest, he’s optimistic about the program’s future.
“The program has already come so far,” he said. “When I started, we were still getting it off the ground. Now we’re welcoming new students, building partnerships, and showing people what 鶹Լ athletic training is all about. I’m proud to help shape that.”
Despite balancing academics, clinical rotations, and his work with the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) youth programs, Warren says he wouldn’t trade his experience for anything. Remaining close to home has enabled him to build connections within the Decatur community and mentor younger students who are following in his footsteps.
“I’ve been able to grow so much here — personally and professionally,” he said. “At 鶹Լ, you’re not just a number. You get to know your professors, you build relationships, and you get real-world experience that prepares you for what’s next.”
As Warren enjoys his final year of the MSAT program, his advice for future students is simple: “Stick with it, stay curious, and get as much experience as you can.”
