Today we’d like to introduce you to Reese Whitely.
Reese, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and came over to America at a young age. I grew up essentially in Miami, FL. I went to Robert Morgan Educational Center for high school and it wasn’t until I left to college where I began to mold and truly find out who I was and what my purpose to life truly was. I played collegiate basketball at Florida A and M University, Pensacola State College, and finally at Faulkner University in Montgomery Alabama. The last years of my undergraduate career really was where I began to mold as an individual. I was surrounded by some key mentors who provided me with more direction in my life.
Initially I had no aspiration but to play basketball but as time progressed and I developed I began to attain a heart for people. In a sense that I may be able to assist, inspire, mold, and contribute to the betterment of a person. I truly wanted to change lives through the gifts that were given to me. I was graced with being able to go to Malawi, Africa on a mission’s trip with about 15 other persons. There we really were able to disconnect and have an intentional focus on the needs of others. We spent about two weeks there and I feel like even more purpose was given to my life then. Upon coming back to the states I decided to apply for a Master’s degree In Sports Medicine and get involved more with the church.
I ended up getting into FIU for their Masters of Science in Athletic Training program and I also ended up attending Vous Church in Miami. This program granted me the opportunity to work in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts, NASCAR, FIU football, FIU Soccer, various physical therapy clinics as well as high schools in the Miami area. I learned so much through the program but learned so much through the program but what was even more apparent was the aspiration to do more than what the standard was. I decided after the program to go independent as an athletic trainer and connect with one of my best friends Frankie Telfort to add on to what his vision was already. Within that time frame I dedicated my life to serving others. I began volunteering more within the community, serving others at the church, as well as speaking more life into those around us.
These values learned has allowed us to bring that culture of serving, empowering and helping others through our respective crafts within Old Bull Athletics. So I am only here today because of Gods work in my life and in others as well creating the opportunity for the gifts, talents, and abilities attained over the years to be used today. Now I am going back to Africa this November to provide medical care to Rongo, Kenya as well as continuously grow our community in a positive and professional light through Old Bull Athletics.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road was not a smooth one in any sense. Coming from another country is always a challenge. It’s definitely a culture shock and also a learning curve that can make or break you regardless of when you come.
Also, like many others I’ve experienced many disappointments in a sense that you may want something for yourself but God has an entire different plan for you to which is greater than what you could’ve ever imagined. I was rejected by numerous schools coming out of undergrad and thought I would never be in medicine how I imagined but here I am today in an even better place.
My parents also split up when I was 14 and for me it was rough. I had many emotions to which went through my head and I in essence separated myself from the help to which I needed at time but I was blessed with persons around me that continuously poured into me and spoke life over me.
Old Bull Athletics – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Licensed Athletic Trainer. We specialize in rehabilitation of the orthopedic population, recovery, corrective exercise prescriptions, movement based training, soft tissue therapy amongst so much more. We were many hats within the sports medicine realm. I also do personal training as well.
I am known for getting people out of Pain due to dysfunction. Teaching others how to move optimally, and helping people not only gain strength but reach their fitness goals.
I am most proud of the level of excellence that Old Bull Athletics has. We pride ourselves in attaining continuous education, constantly empowering our staff and clients with knowledge, and providing a service that’s unmatched. We do everything 1 on 1 so we can cater to your needs specifically. Old Bull Athletics is a company that will service the client in an exceptional manner due to the standard to which we hold ourselves to. Excellence is who we are. We combine the disciplines from various realms within medicine to produce the optimal result whether it is rehabilitation/reconditioning, training, or recovery.
Our staffing includes Non-Traditional Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Exercise Physiologists, and Personal Trainers.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is an interesting word because its defined differently based on each individual. For me I see success as not only attaining a goal but how you affect others in a positive manner. It allows for your environment to change and people’s lives to be affected positively. It’s leaving a legacy, its being a great leader, its providing opportunity for others to shine before yourself, its humility, it’s serving others, it is being great in every aspect you can. Becoming better each day.
Contact Info:
- Address: Old Bull Athletics
273 Alhambra Circle - Phone: 7866153583
- Instagram: @reesewhitely , @frankietelfort, @Oldbullathletics
Image Credit:
Gisela Rodriguez
Marketing Coordinator
@grodphoto
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