Jordan Jack plans on becoming an athletic trainer for a professional baseball team. When he isn’t busy studying, Jordan enjoys playing video games, hanging out with friends, and playing a variety of sports. 

Get to Know Jordan

  • Major: Pre-athletic training
  • Class: Junior
  • Hometown:Des Moines, Iowa (Polk County) 
  • Career goal: Athletic trainer for a major league baseball team
  • Clubs/activities: CHS Ambassadors, Baseball Club
  • Awards/honors: Dean’s list 
  • Favorite place on campus: Conversations Dining Hall 
  • Most influential ISU mentor:Jessica Drenth 
  • Favorite class: H S 215, Drug Education 
  • Why Iowa State: Advanced technology within the kinesiology program

Jordan Jack strides toward lifelong dream of becoming an athletic trainer 

Jordan Jack’s career aspiration has always been to work in the world of sports. Playing sports like baseball, basketball, football, and tennis throughout his life led him to witness many sports-related injuries, as well as experience some of his own.

Then, Jordan had one defining moment that caused him to pursue athletic training at Iowa State University. 

“I was watching a Chicago White Sox baseball game on TV. Their pitcher had collapsed in the dugout, suffering from a brain aneurysm and if it hadn’t been for the quick actions and life saving techniques of the athletic trainers, he could’ve passed,” Jordan said. “I knew that I wanted to be able to save lives and get people back to what they love doing.”

As a junior at Iowa State, Jordan has gained hands-on experience through the Iowa State Athletic Program’s gymnastics and wrestling teams. He also highly credits his courses for helping him gain important knowledge as he advances into his career.

“What makes the classes at Iowa State stand out when preparing me for my dream career is the ability to have hands-on interaction with the material we are learning,” Jordan said. “Not only are we taught what we need to know, but we are given opportunities to practice what we learn, too.”

This last semester was challenging for many students who had to adjust to online learning. Jordan worked through these challenges himself and realized the importance of positivity and determination. 

“From this experience, I have learned that no matter how hard things get, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and that in order to succeed in the toughest of times, you must remain focused and not let the bad things get to you,” Jordan said. “Buckle down and really focus on improving on the next assignment or project, and if you need the extra help, instructors are still willing to help over Webex or email.”

Looking toward the future, Jordan’s dream career as an athletic trainer would be working with the Chicago White Sox’s baseball team. He is excited to continue gaining hands-on experience in the coming semesters and to one day fulfill his lifelong career-related dreams.