The path to living life by the “Golden Rule’’ has led Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Kylee Conlin to playing a significant role in the lives of student-athletes at Davenport, Iowa’s West High School.
The credit for paving the way for her to treat others as you would love to be treated, Conlin says, goes to her parents.
“My biggest influence in life are both of my parents. My mom passed away in 2021, and she was the epitome of strength, hard work, and determination,’’ Conlin said of her mother, Heidi, a beloved teacher, and huge supporter of all that is Kewanee (Illinois) Wethersfield schools.
“Even when going through treatment, she was still working full-time as a special education teacher and did the after-school program,’’ Conlin added. “My dad, Mike, instilled in his kids that you must work hard for what you want in life. He also taught us to take the time and do things correctly the first time instead of taking the “lazy’’ way out. Both of my parents taught us the importance of treating everyone equally and with respect, from the janitor of a company to the CEO.’’
A star athlete at Wethersfield High School, Conlin took her talents to Eureka (Ill.) College, where she was a standout member of the softball squad for four years. Conlin also served as team captain and spent two years as president of her college sorority. It was Eureka’s tight-knit community that gave Conlin a feeling of home during her undergraduate years.
“I loved the small town feeling of Eureka,’’ said Conlin, who did her post-graduate work at Franklin (Franklin, Ind.) College. “Coming from a small town and small high school, it was important to have that small-town feel where everyone knew who you were, even professors you didn’t have and townspeople.’’
Her background as an athlete also helped Conlin pursue a career instrumental in the growth and betterment of the student-athlete. From first-hand knowledge, Conlin understands the time, dedication and the academic commitment student-athletes endure to compete at the high school level.
“I always played sports and was involved in sports and knew this career would help live the dream of always being surrounded by sports, while also being a helping hand and guiding figure for student athletes,’’ Conlin said. “I always wanted to go into the sports world and helping people was always important to me, so this is the perfect combination of both.’’
Whether it be through education, injury prevention or injury care, Conlin loves being the first line of offense for a student-athlete, coach, parent, and administrator.
“Having the knowledge to make sure the athletes and parents understand what is going on with their child is vital,’’ said Conlin. “And having the skills so the parents, athletes, and coaches know if something happens, they can trust you to be the first line of offense to either save a life or determine whether they need to be seen by another healthcare professional.
“I try to educate the kids on how important it is to take care of their bodies; you only get one body in life and in the long run you want to be able to enjoy playing in the yard with your kids and grandkids.’’
Conlin’s experience, ability to relate and her dedication to being great at what she does, is not lost on those around her.
“Kylee been a great addition to our Rock Valley Athletic Training team,’’ said Kaelene Kragenbrink-Voorhees, ATC, LAT, CES, FMS/Davenport Assumption High School/Regional Coordinator of Athletic Training Services-Quad Cities Region/Rock Valley Physical Therapy. “She brings a tremendous amount of experience at the secondary level to the table. She is knowledgeable, compassionate and brings an amazing sense of humor to Rock Valley and Davenport West. She is always willing to take on a new task and collaborates exceptionally well with coaches and staff. Her positive attitude is contagious. She is the perfect fit in a wonderful place like (Davenport) West.’’
One of the largest public schools in the state of Iowa, Davenport West, still possesses an amazing, close, small-school feel. Conlin says it is a place where young people feel wanted, their opinions matter and are encouraged to excel. The bonds of trust, Conlin says, are at every turn.
“I really enjoy the small school feel around West even though it is a large school,’’ she said. “Everyone is so helpful and quick to give a quick smile and hello in the hallway. Everyone is willing to help in any way, even if they are not involved in athletics. I have met so many teachers and school staff who are not involved in athletics at all but are friendly and welcoming. The students are great as well, they have all welcomed me.’’
Athletic trainers, coaches and administrators must truly work in harmony to benefit the student-athletes in their care. Conlin says this holds true in every way at Davenport West.
“The coaches are always there for any questions or concerns I may have and are quick to lend a helping hand or help communicate how they have had things run in the past and what they like,’’ Conlin said. “I have yet to have a coach who was not willing to spend a little extra time talking with me or helping me with any questions I have. It’s as if I have been here for years, not just a few months. Michelle Lillis (athletic director) and (secretary) Nikki Haas were extraordinary. They have answered my million questions and helped me out in so many ways, I am forever grateful for those two. They have made me feel like family since I first stepped foot in the facility.‘’
Cliches are often drab and without merit, yet there are times when they are the perfect fit in describing the impact someone has on a situation. In the case of Conlin, Davenport Lillis says an old cliche fits perfectly.
“She has fit in like a well-used glove,’’ Lillis, ultra-successful in her coaching days, who has done tremendous work at two schools during her administrative career, said of Conlin. “She is kind and she is compassionate with the athletes and their families. She attends to any request from an athlete or parent. Most importantly, she makes sure our West athletes are safe and prepared to compete. We are lucky to have her.’’
True to her athletic background, Conlin never wants to get too far ahead in her approach, whether it be in life or in her work.
But…
“I see myself becoming a staple and a figure of the community and school district,’’ she said of the West and all the schools in the Quad-Cities (Iowa-Illinois). “I want to be that familiar face everyone knows. I want them to know I will always be there to help anyone in need, whether that be student athletes, students, coaches, staff, or community members.’’
And will treat them with respect and care, just how her parents taught her.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller