Mar 31, 2026
- University of Utah alumnus Jose serves as an associate athletic trainer with football at the United States Air Force Academy.
- Jose credits the University of Utah’s immersive curriculum and strong clinical foundation for his professional success.
- He emphasizes mentorship, work ethic, and creating a supportive team environment as central to athletic training.
Jose Sandoval, a University of Utah athletic training alumnus, is continuing to make an impact in sports medicine as an associate athletic trainer with football at the United States Air Force Academy. His work reflects the program’s emphasis on immersive learning, clinical excellence, and athlete-centered care, preparing graduates to succeed in high-performance and service-driven environments.
Through hands-on experience and a strong foundation built at the University of Utah, Jose has developed a career rooted in teamwork, problem-solving, and supporting athletes during some of their most challenging moments. Below, Jose shares his story, insights, and advice for aspiring athletic trainers.
Alumni Q&A
Q: What is your current job?
A: United States Air Force Academy – Associate athletic trainer with football.
Q: Why did you choose athletic training as a profession?
A: “I picked athletic training as a profession because of the mixture of sport and medicine. Being able to be a medical professional who helps keep athletes going within their sport has always been my passion. There is so much that goes into that application that many aren’t aware of, so being able to figure that puzzle out is awesome.”
Q: What made you choose the University of Utah?
A: “I picked the University of Utah because of the rich and long-standing program. The way the program was set up, especially the immersive year during the second year, was unique. The set of classes involved in the program made me feel like I would be set up for success upon graduation. And Salt Lake City is beautiful.”
Q: One piece of advice for aspiring athletic trainers?
A: “One piece of advice would be to be a sponge—take in everything. You can learn so much by observing, asking questions, and getting hands-on experience. Don’t forget your work ethic; hard work wins every time. Remember, you are in the driver’s seat of your experience. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations so you can continue to develop as both a professional and a person.”
Q: What keeps you passionate about athletic training?
A: “What keeps me passionate is the team I’m on. You can positively impact any team by being yourself while helping others. Being able to create a family environment while keeping the guys going is huge. Their worst day is often when they come to see you, so why not make them feel seen and heard? That moment when they return fearless and doing what they love—that is everything.”