Anna Grace Johnson discusses winning HOSA’s sports medicine competition

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I am a senior at Helena High School! I am really involved in the choral department with chamber choir and show choir. I’m a coach’s kid, so I love football and spend all my Friday nights in the fall at games! I am also really involved with my youth group and love hanging with my friends.

What first sparked your interest in sports medicine? 

With being a coach’s kid, I have always been on the sidelines and, as I got older, I was able to help more and become more involved. I always wanted to work in healthcare and growing up around sports has opened this opportunity for me. I have also been blessed with great role models who have gone out of their way to help me and have allowed me to grow.

Tell me more about the HOSA competition that you competed in. What does the competition look like? What does the sports medicine category entail? 

I competed in the Sports Medicine category. After taking a written pre-test in my event, the top 40 scores in the state are eligible to compete at the State Leadership Conference. The test consists of 50 multiple choice questions that range from nutrition, injury evaluation, therapeutic interventions, emergency care and professional responsibilities.

From there the top six scores are taken and we compete in the hands on round. Round 2 can consist of pinning anatomical landmarks, listing range of motion of certain joints, or a taping or wrapping such as a wrist, Achilles, ankle, etc. From there, they combine your multiple choice and round 2 scores to determine the placements.

How did you feel when you won the state championship?

I was extremely excited! It was a surreal moment for me and I feel that I showed myself what I am capable of and that my knowledge in the sports medicine field is off to an amazing start!

What was it like competing at internationals? 

Being around other future healthcare professionals and peers who also have a love for sports medicine was incredible. I was able to grow in my leadership skills and expand my knowledge on the future of health care and sports medicine. It was also a great honor to be able to represent my state, school and community on an international level.

What is one lesson that you learned during your experience? 

I have learned to push myself and never stop learning. HOSA has opened the eyes of so many students and provides amazing opportunities and experiences for us to grow in our knowledge and leadership skills.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone hoping to compete next year? 

A piece of advice I would give someone who wants to compete is to find something you are passionate about and continue to expand your knowledge! My hands on experience has significantly changed my outcome and the way I approach sports medicine. Lean on your peers and challenge each other to continue to grow.