New athletic trainer Corinne Carbone has quickly become a key figure for student-athletes, guiding them through the challenges of sports and injury recovery.

Carbone graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s in Athletic Training and received a master’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of South Carolina. As a member of the UNH swim team, she has worked in both high schools, including Westborough High School and collegiate athletic programs. 

Carbone hopes to leave a lasting impact on students’ well-being and how they care for their bodies.

“Learn to take care of your body now [and] your future self will be thankful, but also enjoy the time you have now because it flies,” Carbone said.

Since starting her new role, Carbone has acknowledged both the excitement as well as new challenges it has brought. After two years of working with Westborough High School, she was eager to join Algonquin Athletics this past spring and take on new responsibilities.

“It’s not what I expected; it’s better than what I expected,” Carbone said.

Carbone is glad to work in such a friendly community, especially after spending the fall season on the sidelines getting to know athletes while treating injuries, running rehab and teaching them how to care for their bodies. Although the start of the season was hectic, she has grown closer to students and coaches as schedules eased and she’s had more time to connect with them beyond their sports. That welcoming environment has made her transition smooth and helped her feel at home in her new role.

“The coach, the kids, the staff and the teachers are all welcoming,” Carbone said.

Carbone’s typical days start around 1:30 p.m. to prepare and often stays until 7:30 or later, sometimes as late as 9:30, depending on when practices and competitions end, with additional Saturday coverage for weekend games. Managing clinic hours and covering every game alone has been a major adjustment from college, where she worked alongside other trainers and shared responsibilities. Now, she balances all of it herself to ensure every athlete receives the care they need.

“It’s been a change from working with one other individual to working by myself, just trying to manage clinic hours and then coverage for all the games,” Carbone said.

Senior Gavin Butterfield, who is a player on the varsity football team, has worked with Carbone since suffering an injury early this season. He said her guidance and encouragement helped him stay positive and focused throughout his recovery.

“She helped a lot through recovery, especially after a rough start to the season by hurting my shoulder,” Butterfield said. “She has helped a lot of players in general; she got our guys back into the game.”

Carbone has dealt with a high number of significant injuries this season, including ACL tears, broken bones and concussions, which have tested her skills but also allowed her to support students through major challenges and build a welcoming space where athletes feel comfortable seeking help. Those experiences have shaped the way she approaches treatment, creating individualized rehab plans, stretching routines and recovery strategies to guide athletes safely back into competition. 

Her work with senior Gavin Butterfield reflected that approach, helping him steadily rebuild strength and confidence after his shoulder injury.

“She gave me stretches to do and applied heat to my shoulder and put me into a good place to come back to sports,” Butterfield said.

As she continues to settle into her role, building relationships with athletes remains Carbone’s top priority. Beyond helping students heal, she hopes to educate them on how to care for their bodies and stay healthy both on and off the field.

“My main goal for this fall and certainly for this year is to be present and make those connections with the athletes, coaches and staff, so they know who I am,” Carbone said.