Thirty minutes into the 2025 National XVs Championship game, California rugby player Joe Kirsten suffered a severe injury on the field. The Golden Bears’ medical team quickly responded to treat a deep cut on his hand. Head Coach Jack Clark initiated a blood substitution, allowing Kirsten time for treatment. Despite the odds, Cal rugby’s medical staff managed to patch him up and clear him for play. Kirsten later scored a try that contributed to the Bears’ 55-38 victory.
Associate Athletic Trainer Lindsay Renterias led the medical efforts that night. With ten years of experience as a certified athletic trainer, Renterias holds degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Central Washington University. Her career with the Bears began in 2018-19 as an athletic training fellow with the rugby program. She then worked at Louisiana Tech before returning to Cal.
“I was excited to return to rugby in a head role because I knew how much potential there was in this position,” Renterias said. “I am able to grow professionally every day working with a highly competitive collision sport.”
Rugby is physically demanding, requiring players to tackle and sprint without helmets or pads. “The intensity of a rugby game is unmatched,” she said. “I am constantly exposed to new injuries and medical scenarios that keep me growing as a medical professional.”
Renterias’ skills and compassion make her invaluable to the team. “Lindsay’s care and dedication to the team is what makes her the best AT in the business,” former player Tom Dixon said.
Last season, Renterias faced numerous challenges due to player injuries but worked tirelessly alongside Kristy Yeung to rehabilitate them back onto the field.
“Lindsay is a unique and exceptional composite of athletic trainer,” Clark said. “Her skills and knowledge are world-class.”
Dixon credited Renterias for helping him recover from an injury in time for the championship match. “She’s helped me rehab multiple injuries…and is the reason I was able to return to play in the final,” Dixon said.
