From cramping calves to fractured bones, Marni Barton has been the go-to for athletes in distress at Glenwood Springs High School for 25 years. She’s not just an athletic trainer; she’s a steady presence on the sidelines, helping students get back on their feet—literally. Whether she’s taping an ankle, handling a concussion, or offering support during emotional recoveries, Barton has seen it all. But her story started long before she became a fixture in the valley.

“I’ve been here for 25 years,” Barton said. “I kind of knew I wanted to be in Colorado. Grew up here for a little bit when I was a kid and loved Colorado, so I knew I wanted to come back.”

Barton currently acts as the athletic training supervisor at Valley View Hospital, where she oversees athletic trainers throughout the county.

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When Barton first arrived, she didn’t just serve Glenwood Springs. She was responsible for three high schools — Rifle, Glenwood Springs, and Roaring Fork. But the demands of the job and the need for more focused care led to a change.

“For about six or seven years, it became apparent we needed to offer more personalized care,” Barton said. “I decided to stay at Glenwood, and I’ve been here ever since.”

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Her dedication to Glenwood’s athletes is unmatched. Barton has handled everything from broken legs to dislocated shoulders. She’s seen firsthand how injuries can affect athletes, both physically and emotionally.

“I had an athlete who sustained a pretty significant facial injury,” Barton said. “There was a lot of PTSD associated with that. The hardest part isn’t always the injury itself—it’s the psychological toll it takes on them.”

While Barton has seen her fair share of injuries, her commitment goes far beyond the physical treatment she provides. She’s become a trusted figure in the lives of the students she serves, something Glenwood Springs Athletic Director Craig Denney deeply appreciates.

“Marnie is a godsend,” Denney said. “She’s professional, up-to-date, and always wants to take care of kids. For our kids, she’s a sounding board. She often knows the pulse of the team more than anyone else in the building.”

Barton’s influence isn’t limited to the training room. She also teaches sports medicine at the high school, inspiring students to follow in her footsteps.

“She’s had several kids go on and do this as a career,” Denney said. “I think of one student, Cody Derby, who went on to become a trainer in Major League Baseball, and now works with Cirque du Soleil. That’s the kind of impact she’s had.”

Despite the long hours—sometimes 50 to 60 a week—Barton’s passion never wavers. Her dedication to the athletes and their well-being is what fuels her every day.

“I love the kids,” Barton said. “That really, truly is what keeps me going.”

Outside of her profession, Barton is a devoted mother, spending much of her free time supporting her sons. Her youngest, a senior at Basalt High School, dreams of playing baseball in college, keeping Barton busy even during her off-hours.

“Our summer vacations consist of spending weekends watching him play baseball,” Barton said. “I love spending time with my family, no matter what we’re doing.”

Denney is grateful for Barton’s unwavering commitment and hopes she sticks around for many more years to come.

“She’s exactly what you ask for in an athletic trainer,” Denney said. “We’ve been lucky enough to hold on to her for this long, and I hope she stays with us until she decides to retire—whenever that may be.”

As for retirement, Barton isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon.

“When we talk about retirement, I just laugh,” Barton said. “I’m going to be here for a while longer, and I love it.”