By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com

LOS ANGELES - For Cal Poly Pomona alum Jasen Powell, having such an integral role in the physical well being of professional athletes is almost as enjoyable as being one.

Powell is in his 12th year as head athletic trainer for the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team.

"I love sports," said Powell, a 1995 graduate of Cal Poly Pomona. "I'm able to do a job that allows me to be around sports and indulge in the environment."

Powell helps coordinate and arrange every practice and health regiment the players need to stay healthy. He is also the first athletic trainer in the NBA to have collegiate playing experience.

"You need to provide the best service you can for athletes," Powell said, "whether it's pro, college, high school, or even little league."

Even though the team may have a day off in between games, there really is no such thing as a day off for Powell.

On non-game days, Powell conducts practice games and treatment sessions for the athletes to make sure they are in good shape. If a player is injured, he ensures that they get the care they need.

With today's athletes pushing themselves harder and harder, Powell said athletic trainers are more important then ever.

"You have a lot of players that compete and work out at such a high level," he said. "It's such a high demand on their bodies. Being able to control and understand their needs is important to keep them at a high level."

Powell was the Broncos' point guard from 1993 through 1995 and was simultaneously participating in the athletic training program. After earning his undergraduate degree in kinesiology and health promotion, he began interning with the Atlanta Falcons. After his stint with the Falcons, he then worked four years with the San Francisco 49ers as an assistant trainer.

Powell served as head athletic trainer during the 2004 NBA All-Star Game for the Eastern Conference team and for the Western Conference team in the 2011 All-Star game held at the Staples Center.

Currently, he is also active with the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Athletic Trainers Association. He is also a credentialed performance enhancement specialist and a credentialed corrective exercise specialist.

Powell is also very proud to be an active member of Kids Powered by Fitness, an organization serving underprivileged youth from ages 6-13.

"That's the most attractive age for children to adhere to proper diet," he said. "Educating the parents directly allows the kids to know what they need to eat."

Raised in Oakland, Calif., Powell holds a special place in his heart for his hometown and is giving back with the Jasen Powell Health Promotion Scholarship. The personally funded scholarship helps students in the Oakland Unified School District to pursue their interests in the sports health field.

Powell learned a very important lesson during his Cal Poly Pomona years that helped fuel his passion in the sports health world.

"Be persistent and consistent at what you're trying to do," he said. "In college your open to so many things. Cal Poly allowed me to stay persistent and consistent at the task at hand."