Grateful HBCU Student Honors Athletic Trainer for Life-Saving Intervention

As Winston-Salem State University gears up to honor its 2025 graduates, one HBCU student-athlete is reminding everyone that some of the most significant individuals in your collegiate experience don’t podium — they stand beside you when it counts the most.

Nia James, a senior on the WSSU volleyball squad, shared a heartfelt narrative of resilience and appreciation directed toward John Lavender, the long-serving athletic trainer at the university. In a heartfelt social media update, she credited Lavender with saving her life after a near-fatal health emergency in October 2022.

After injuring nearly every ligament in her knee during volleyball season, James was subsequently diagnosed with blood clots in her leg. One night, she suffered through hours of intense chest pain. Lavender insisted she visit the emergency room — and when doctors first attempted to discharge her, he demanded a CT scan. That examination uncovered life-threatening blood clots in all five lobes of her lungs.

With her family miles away, Lavender stayed by her side throughout the night.

“Without the dedication, compassion, and expertise of John and the fantastic @wssu_at staff, I would not be here getting ready to walk the stage in 10 days,” James expressed. “Your influence is more substantial than you realize.”

Lavender, an alumnus of Elon University, has been a part of Winston-Salem State since January 2013. In his capacity as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, he has evolved into a reliable resource for countless generations of student-athletes, providing not only physical care but also personal assistance and advocacy.

“People frequently inquire why I entered this field.  This serves as a prime illustration of my motivation,” Lavender noted on X. “We have an extraordinary AT team at WSSU. I inform all our recruits/parents that when their child arrives at WSSU, they become my child. I care deeply for my kids. I am passionate about my work.”

James’ account is a moving testament to the close-knit, transformative community found at her HBCU and many others.

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