Ben Costello is nearing completion of his first full year as an athletic trainer at Newport News Shipbuilding’s Apprentice School, and he’s ending on a triumphant note.

He recently spent a week in Buffalo, New York, with the men’s basketball team, which raised a second consecutive national championship trophy on March 14.

March also happened to be National Athletic Training Month, offering Costello a chance to reflect on his tenure at the school.

Costello has spent most of his career in a traditional collegiate setting. Working with shipbuilder-athletes who spend their time in the shipyard has allowed him to stretch his own training muscles, adjusting to a different reality.

“Because our athletes work in the shipyard, our time and availability with them can be extremely limited throughout the season,” he said. “It has been a challenge to provide the best quality of care with how little time I have with them, but it has been extremely rewarding, allowing me to grow as a healthcare provider.”

As part of a small but dedicated team, Costello doesn’t have the luxury of concentrating on a single team sport. He is a jack-of-all trades, dealing with different types of injuries and rehabilitation depending on the sport.

“Contrary to belief, athletic trainers do much more than understand how to tape an ankle and make the world’s best ice bag,” he said.” We are highly trained and able to work in many different settings with our background in healthcare.”

Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited college with a degree in athletic training. When Costello began college in 2014, a bachelor’s degree was needed. Master’s degrees are now required. After graduation, they must pass a certification test in order to provide care in the field.

Costello was active in sports while growing up, and he learned to appreciate the skill of athletic trainers after sustaining a serious knee injury in high school.

“After spending countless hours of rehabilitation with my athletic trainer, I recognized the knowledge and professionalism that it can provide,” he said.

Many trainers have similar stories, which means “we can relate with athletes/patients who are going through this, because we once were in their shoes.”

It’s not just about hands-on healthcare, either.

“The impact a trainer can have by simply listening to someone’s feelings and understanding them can provide a life-changing experience, as it did for me,” he said.

Costello is a Newport News native with family and friend ties to both the shipyard and The Apprentice School.

“The Apprentice School and the shipyard are staples of this city,” he said. “Being able to be a part of this company and community has been a tremendous experience for me.”