Bill Prokopyk
Bismarck High School’s appreciated and well-beloved head athletic trainer is resigning. Alicia Wells will no longer be associated with BHS athletics after this fall. The head position will be handed down to current BHS athletic trainer, Destiny Pfliiger.
“We’ll post her(Pfliiger) job so there can be someone to fill her position at Wachter Middle School and at BHS,” Well’s says.
Because of Wells’ commitment to 2024 fall sports, her last day is assumed to be November 15th. Her last day is subject to however long the football season lasts. If football wraps up earlier than expected, so will her occupancy at BHS.
After football, If another athletic trainer is not hired to take Pfliiger’s position, Phliiger will continue to take her promotion and Wells will help part-time with the upcoming winter sports.
“So once we post that position, then hopefully we will be able to fill it right away,” Well’s says.
Well’s currently balances two full-time jobs. Not only is she the head athletic trainer, she is also a professor at the University of Mary, teaching classes in the masters of biomechanics and athletic training.
“Doing both jobs full-time has kind of been a lot,” Well’s said.
Rather than juggling two full-time jobs, Well’s is looking forward to continuing her professorship at Umary and replacing her job at BHS with a part-time job at Sanford Health. Her time at Sanford is going to be spent teaching new, incoming athletic trainers. Using her 12 years of experience, she will be able to help people launch their careers.
“I’m just their mentor,” Wells said, “If they have any questions, they come to me.”
Taking inspiration from past high school coaches, Well’s knew she wanted to pursue a career in athletics. Her extroverted personality and interest in healthcare led her to where she is today.
“I liked the way that they interacted with students and helped people grow,” Well’s said. “I (just) love the relationships with the athletes that I get to build.”
Demon-athletes have had the fortunate opportunity to depend on Well’s for 12 years. This year will be the first time she is not employed by BHS athletics. She believes in not only BHS’s long tradition but also the students that carry it on. Well’s time at BHS will be missed.
“We have such great athletes here,” Well’s said. “ They’re tough, traditional, gritty, (and) hard working.”