Welcome to Locker Room Talk.
We believe that Equipment Managers are the backbone of every team. In our first official issue of Locker Room Talk, we’re honored to spotlight someone who perfectly embodies the heart, hustle, and humility that define the profession — Quin Patterson from Trinity University (TX).

🎖️ Equipment Manager of the Month

📍 How it Started
Like many college undergrads, Quin wasn’t entirely sure what was next after finishing his degree at Hofstra University. Curious about a career in athletics, he reached out to a high school friend working alongside Coach Krzyzewski at Duke Basketball to learn more about the equipment world. That conversation opened the door. By September 2013, Quin landed a role as Assistant Equipment Manager at Trinity University. Less than a year later, he was promoted to Head Equipment Manager — a position he still holds today, overseeing all 18 varsity sports.
//🔑: Utilizing and growing your own network is vital for opportunity.

🧩 The Overlooked Challenges
For Quin, one of the most overlooked aspects of being an equipment manager is the sheer volume of priorities being juggled. That means aligning with dozens of coaches, athletes, and administrators — each with their own needs, timelines, and expectations.

“It’s a lot of moving pieces,” Quin said. “You have to be precise, patient, and fast — all at the same time.”

Beyond the logistics, it’s also about managing personalities, building relationships, and staying ahead without burning out. Quin credits Trinity’s culture of work-life balance for helping him and his team stay grounded. “Burnout is real in this profession. Having leaders who recognize that makes a huge difference.”
//🔑: Execution requires mastering both coordination and communication.

🗣️ What’s something you’ve learned from a coach or athlete that stuck with you?
The following are direct quotes from Quin:

• “Control what you can control; how you act, carry yourself, the reputation you build from how you are with others, your emotions, and what you do day to day.”
• “Strive for progress, not perfection.”
• “No one person is bigger than the program as a whole; that means swallowing your pride at times, just doing what needs to get done, and never being too big for any job.”
• "Nil Satis Nisi Optimum" — nothing but the best is good enough.
• “Be accountable; we all make mistakes and the reason why it happened is irrelevant, be the first to admit it, always have a solution to the problem, make it right, and learn from it to grow and be better.”

💿 Favorite Locker Room Song
“Blue World” by Mac Miller

🎗️ On behalf of Quin, we’re donating to the Lupus Research Alliance.
You can learn more or donate directly here.

💭 Quote of the Month
“Strive for progress, not perfection.” – Quin Patterson

🤝 Networking Events

• SAFE Expo | May 7-9, 2025 | Orange Beach, Alabama
  Hosted by South Alabama natives Mark Hewes and Jeff Bailey, this event is the perfect opportunity to build relationships while having a blast. Call Jeff at (334)-657-9261 for more information.

• AEMA Conference | May 31-June 3, 2025 | Las Vegas, Nevada
  The Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) is dedicated to promoting, advancing, and improving the profession in all its aspects. For more information, contact Sam Trusner at samtrusner@gmail.com or visit equipmentmanagers.org.

📢 Job Opportunities & Career Leads

• Women's Ice Hockey Equipment Manager | University of Vermont
  Apply Here.

• Equipment Manager | The Macon Mayhem
  Contact: Chuck Norris at cnorris@maconmayhem.com.
  More Information here.
• Assistant Equipment Manager | University of Wyoming
  Apply Here.

TL;DR:
Quin Patterson, Head EM at Trinity University, shares how he broke into the field, what it takes to manage 18 varsity programs, and why empathy and balance are key to lasting in the profession. Plus, five incredible leadership lessons, his favorite locker room track, and a cause close to his heart.