A warm and reassuring embrace goes a long way.
To Mariane Tressoldi Moschetta, AT, the burden of distance – being away from her family in Carlos Barbosa, Brazil – has been eased by a warm and welcoming community.
“I have loved Alleman,’’ said Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Tressoldi Moschetta, hired recently as the trainer at Rock Island, Illinois-based Alleman Catholic High School. “The students, parents, and professionals at the school have treated me well and are always helpful when I have questions. (Athletic Director) Mark VanNatta, has been patient with me and I deeply appreciate him. He makes my life easier and that is all I can ask for.”
“And my co-workers at Rock Valley are supportive as well, and I have asked them a billion questions, so I am thankful for them,’’ Tressoldi Moschetta added. “I chose Rock Valley for the people. Jason Viel (MS, LAT, ATC, Director of Athletic Training Services) and Julie Janecek (Administrative Director) were at my interviews, and they made me feel like they wanted me because it was me. They made me feel appreciated and cared for.’’
The daughter of a physical education teacher and a futsal (hardcourt) soccer player, Tressoldi Moschetta, also a gifted soccer player, has always felt the need to look after others.
“I have been around sports my whole life and I have always taken care of people and liked to make them feel better, so athletic training was the right profession for me,’’ said the always-upbeat Tressoldi Moschetta, who came to the United States in 2018, via a soccer scholarship at Union Commonwealth University (Kentucky).
“That is where I got my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. I graduated in 2022 and the same summer I started my master’s in science in Athletic Training.’’
There are roadblocks along life’s path for everyone. No day is the same even if you are familiar with and accustomed to the ways of the land. Making one’s way from Brazil, trying to navigate the language, culture, and being away from loved ones for an extended period, is a challenge beyond difficult.
Tressoldi Moschetta says the reward – seeking a better life – has been worth the risk of the unknown.
“The hardest part is definitely being away from my family, it is hard to watch the people we love get older and not be there in person to support them through the good and bad days,’’ she said. “But I am looking for a better future for myself and my family understands that. Technology also helps, we are only a call away from each other.”
“Learning about the culture, language, and people is always nice and fun, but I’ve definitely fought through some battles as well,’’ added Tressoldi Moschetta. “Coming into a different country, having just me, speaking a different language, not having my mom’s and dad’s arms to run to after a hard day, not understanding certain accents or people, being away from my grandparents, not having my family’s hug for two years, it can be hard. But I try to put work first, it keeps my head in the right place, gives me a goal and it keeps me situated.’’
Having a talented trainer on site is a bonus for all involved at Alleman, but Tressoldi Moschetta’s positive impact on student-athletes, coaches, and parents, is what has impressed VanNatta and the Alleman family most about her.
“What a great addition to the Alleman community and to the athletic department,’’ VanNatta said. “Mariane is excited to get the school year in full swing and we are excited to have her here. She has already made an enormous impact. We cannot wait for her to meet the entire Alleman family and continue to do the wonderful things she already has done. It is great having someone who will have a such a positive and lasting impact on our student-athletes.’’
In a short span, the ever-personable Tressoldi Moschetta has won the respect and admiration from her peers.
“Mariane is a fantastic addition to our Rock Valley athletic training group,’’ said Kaelene Kragenbrink-Voorhees, Athletic Trainer/Assumption High School/ Regional Coordinator of Athletic Training Services/Quad Cities Region, for Rock Valley Physical Therapy.
“She is incredibly smart and comes from an international background with a lot of life experience. She is strong, resilient, and kind. Her Alleman athletes adore her and look forward to her coming in every day. She also works well with coaches, parents, and administration. I am eager to see her take on her role as a Certified Athletic Trainer and watch her career grow.’’
Roadblocks aside, Mariane Tressoldi Moschetta is excited to be where she is, doing what she is doing, chasing her dream of helping others.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller