Ethan Chavez

Ethan's journey to KCKCC began in the heart of Texas, in the vibrant city of Lubbock. It was in Lubbock that he first discovered his love for sports and the intricate mechanics of the human body. Graduating from Texas Tech University with a degree in kinesiology, Ethan's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a master of science in athletic training, further honing his skills and preparing him for the challenges ahead. Although he didn’t play sports, growing up and attending his two brothers’ games made him realize how much love he had for athletics.

“A lot of my influence comes from them because they were both involved in athletics,” he said. “Both my brothers played competitive soccer until high school and traveled with their club team.”

But it wasn't just academic pursuits that guided Ethan's path - it was his unwavering passion for athletic training that set him apart. Starting as a freshman in high school, Ethan immersed himself in the world of sports medicine, participating in a program at Frenship High School that allowed him to explore the fundamentals of athletic training. It was here that he discovered his calling – the desire to help individuals overcome injuries and return to the sports they loved.

Ethan's journey took a serendipitous turn during a six-week internship at KCKCC while pursuing his master's degree. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Rodney Christensen, a connection that would eventually lead him to his current position. While Ethan was at the University of New Orleans working with men’s basketball and men’s tennis, Rodney asked if Ethan knew of anyone suitable for a job at KCKCC. Ethan made the bold decision to leave his current role and join the Blue Devil team, where he could continue to make a difference in the lives of student-athletes. He has loved the fit at the college.

“There are a lot of resources here, and I really like how they emphasize personal development and education,” he said. “The work to life balance is great, and I get along really well with the other athletic trainers.”

For Ethan, the transition from NCAA Division I to the NJCAA community was not just a career move, it was a shift in perspective. At KCKCC, the emphasis on student-athlete health over wins and losses provided Ethan with a renewed sense of purpose. No longer bound by the pressures of Division I athletics, Ethan found fulfillment in guiding student-athletes through the recovery process, ensuring they could return to the sport they loved safely and confidently.

“There’s a lot of pressure taken away compared to a D1,” he said. “At the JUCO level, they emphasize student-athletes health over wins and losses, which is another thing that I love.”

But Ethan's influence extends far beyond the confines of the athletic training room. As the younger brother to Zack, who serves as an assistant commissioner for Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and mentor to Justin, a graduate student studying dietetics at Texas Tech, Ethan's passion for athletics and health has inspired those around him to pursue their own dreams. His commitment to personal development and education, coupled with his leadership role at KCKCC, has allowed him to not only learn from others but also impart valuable lessons to the next generation of athletic trainers.

“I love helping people and especially when they have a long-term injury,” he said. “My main focus is to get them back to the sport they love as quickly as possible.”

In Ethan Chavez, KCKCC has found more than just an athletic trainer - they've found a mentor, a leader and a friend. With his unwavering dedication to helping others and his boundless passion for athletic training, Ethan continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes, one injury recovery at a time.'