“That’s fine with me.”
“Perfect. So I reviewed your resume and see that you received your Master’s degree in PT from Phoenixville University.”
“That’s correct.”
“And you’re state certified?”
“Yes.”
“And you worked there for over four years, is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“So may I ask why you are leaving?”
“I was laid off because of university budget cuts.”
“That’s a shame, but they gave you a glowing reference. You seemed to have left quite an impression.”
“I enjoyed my time there.”
“And you worked with football players?”
“I was fortunate enough to have a paid residency there my first year of graduate school, and I worked with athletes in a variety of sports. Then the next year and beyond I worked solely with Phoenixville’s football program. Because of that opportunity, I was able to work with athletes with acute injuries and follow their cases all the way from rehab to recovery, so I think I can bring a unique viewpoint to the job.”
“You’re quite young, Mia. The athletes at the university were probably younger than you, and most of the players you’d be working with in the NFL are your age or older. Does that intimidate you at all?”
“It’s my job to get each client back to where they need to be in order to play at their optimal best regardless of the age of who I’m dealing with. It won’t be an issue.”
“And the fact that you’re a woman?”
“Is a non-factor. I will come to work as a staff therapist and a skilled clinician. It won’t hinder my productivity and I won’t need any special treatment, nor do I want it.”
My nerves are finally settling. I’m growing more confident with each exchange. I may not be the NFL’s typical candidate for a position like this, but I know my stuff, so I take comfort in that.
I hear Miranda momentarily type some notes on a keyboard, and then she continues with the interview.
“Imagine this scenario, Mia. A player is injured during a game and protocol requires four weeks of therapy, but he pushes you to clear him in two because he wants to play. What do you do?”
“Player health is my number one priority. I would explain the risks to the player and if he still pushed, I would have no choice but to defer to my immediate superior. I will not clear anyone who I don’t think is ready.”
“Speaking of the Director of Rehab and PT for the Nighthawks, his name is Scott Maxwell. He’s a straight shooter and a great clinician from what I hear around the office. You’d be working with him, two other full-time physical therapists, three strength and conditioning trainers and three athletic training interns.”
A full staff.
“That’s awesome.”
“You’d be jumping in head first if we offer you the position. Training camp has already started, and it’s basically a seven-day grind during this time of year. It’s no cakewalk.”
“I look forward to it. I enjoy keeping busy.”
“Mmm hmm.”
She types again.
“Just a couple more things, Mia.”
“Sure.”
