LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – When it comes to athletes, the work they do off the field impacts their greatness on it.
With the new nutrition program at UL, two women have entered the weight room that have made an impact in several different ways.
“We live in a world where we don’t think women know what they’re talking about or they can’t do a job that a man can do,” said senior Safety Deuce Wallace, “but they’ve given us proof that they know what they’re talking about.”
Candice Walls and Kaylin Sticher both can be found working closely with all the student athletes.
They provide protein shakes and snacks after practice and even help the athletes with a quick workout during the day.
“I do everything from the weight training to speed and conditioning,” explained Walls, “I’m on the field, I’m at games with them, I warm them up for games.”
“It really inspires us to help the kids achieve what they want to achieve in life,” said Sticher
A lot of the students arent use to seeing women train athletes.
Especially female trainers working with the males.
But for both Walls and Sticher, it is so much more than just a job.
“To me, I get to set a good example of how women should uphold theirselves in front of the male athletes,” said Walls, “then I can show the women how you can be a powerful woman in a world that’s kind of dominated by men at times.”
Earning respect and having to prove your knowledge isn’t always easy.
Sometimes though, just lending a helping hand or having an ear to listen is the key.
“They have to be able to trust you.” said Sticher, “I think it’s more about being patient and really truly having to listen about someone.”
“If you’re questioning what they say just look at the products that they’ve created.” said Wallace, “both Candice and Stich they are very detailed about what they do and they take it very seriously and it shows.”