St. Andrew’s athletic trainers help prevent and treat injuries for student athletes of all ages. Recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals, athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Athletic trainers, as one of the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries occur, must be able to recognize, evaluate, and assess injuries and provide immediate care when needed.
Our athletic trainers try to prevent injuries by educating student athletes on how to reduce their risk for injuries and by advising them on the proper use of equipment. They can also provide exercises to improve balance and strength, and provide home exercise and therapy programs.
At St. Andrew’s, our athletic trainers oversee ten male sports and eleven female sports and approximately 500 athletes. Coverage is provided for all St. Andrew’s sponsored sports starting in the fifth grade through twelfth grade.
Abby Elliott, ATC, LAT
Athletic Trainer
Abby is a Licensed Athletic Trainer through the Texas Department of Health and also a Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (BOC). Abby is in her 12th year of serving as the Athletic Trainer for St. Andrew’s Upper School.
Abby graduated in the Class of 2000 from the University of Kansas, earning at Bachelor of Science degree with emphasis in Athletic Training.
Abby continues to be actively involved in the profession of athletic training and holds membership with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and The Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association.
Keith Skates., M.Ed., LAT
Athletic Trainer
Keith is a Licensed Athletic Trainer through the Texas Department of Health. A native of Austin, Texas; Keith is serving as the Athletic Trainer for St. Andrew's Middle School.
Keith is a St. Andrew's Alumni that graduated in the Cornerstone Class in 2002. He is a 2006 graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, earning a Bachelor of Behavioral Science Degree in Athletic Training, and 2010 graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, earning a Master’s of Education Degree with an emphasis in Kinesiology. Prior to St. Andrew's he served as the Athletic Trainer for Chico High School and Fit-N-Wise Rehabilitation in Decatur, TX. Prior to that he served as a contract Athletic Trainer for Regional Physical Therapy in Lufkin, TX.
Keith is actively involved in the profession of athletic training and holds membership with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and The Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association.
He is married to the former Reagan Richardson of Abilene, Texas, and they have a son named Easton. Reagan is a PE coach at St. Andrew's MS and also coaches Athletics at the US.