Athletic trainer wins 2 IHSAA state championships in same day

(INDIANAPOLIS) – A southern Indiana athletic trainer couldn’t celebrate her school’s Class 1A State Championship victory for too long on Saturday. 

26-year-old Kacey Kaelin serves as the athletic trainer for the Borden High School girls basketball program. 

The team won their second consecutive state title and when they rushed to the locker room to continue the celebration, Kaelin had to stay back on the court. 

That’s because the next game featured Eastern (Pekin) whose athletic trainer also happens to be Kaelin! 

She is employed with Floyd Baptist Health and has held the athletic trainer role for both teams since July 2024.  

Kaelin describes it as an honor to work with both squads and enjoyed seeing how fans of the two neighboring schools were cheering each other on. 

“We are only six miles apart and tt's been amazing to see both of the communities join together today. These two schools feel like home and they feel like family and it has meant the world to me to be part of both,” Kaelin told The 812. 

There was plenty to cheer for in the Class 2A game as Eastern (Pekin) cruised to the second-ever state championship against Oak Hill. 

For Kacey, she didn’t grow up expecting to be an athletic trainer but her love of sports and healthcare have made it a perfect fit. She encourages others who are considering the career to give it a shot.

“Even if you don’t get the experience of going to state championships, the relationships you make with the athletes, coaches and parents make it well worth it. Sometimes it can be taxing but I would strongly recommend it if someone wants to pursue athletic training,” Kaelin said.

Here are some more photos taken by The 812's Andrew Wallpe during Borden and Eastern's Class 1A and 2A state victories on Saturday: