Staff Spotlight: Nicole Lee - athletic trainer at Lincoln East High School

April 10, 2026

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Nicole Lee, athletic trainer at Lincoln East High School.

“Nicole Lee is a wizard. Her intelligence, integrity, honesty and ambition are only overshadowed by her caring, welcoming, personal demeanor. Athletic training requires the donning of many hats. She has adamantly demonstrated her competence in all. Parents, faculty, but in particular students gravitate to her knowing she has their best interest at heart.”- Mac McCuistion, head athletic trainer at Lincoln East High School

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am one of the athletic trainers at Lincoln East High School. Every day looks different in the athletic training room. Most days, I start out with getting water set up for games or practices. Once school is out, I see athletes for different injuries that happened during games and practices and get them started on rehab. Another part of my job includes concussion management, monitoring weather conditions (hot, cold, lightning, etc.) along with game and practice coverage.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I'm in my 13th year with LPS.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
In high school, I experienced two knee injuries. While I was going through physical therapy, I really enjoyed the rehab process and overcoming my own struggles to get back to the sport I loved. I got a job working in the PT clinic where I met the athletic trainer of my high school. I was able to follow her and work with her as an athletic training student while in high school.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part about working at East is the relationships I've built with my co-workers, coaches and athletes.

The most rewarding part of my job is helping an athlete overcome an injury and regain the confidence to go back out there and compete.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up in York, Neb., and attended York High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended Kansas Wesleyan University, where I majored in athletic training. After graduation, I was a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Alabama A&M University, where I got my master's in nutrition and hospitality management.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I love how it has a small-town feel with a big city vibe. There is something for everyone here.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
My favorite books growing up were “The Boxcar Children.”

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
It's hard to just narrow down one person who has impacted my life in this profession. First, Amy Schwaderer was my athletic trainer in high school and she gave me the opportunity to follow her and learn about this profession. Although he isn't a former teacher, my current co-worker Mac has continued to guide me and teach me so much about this profession.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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