There is nothing quite so reassuring for members of the Alabama Gymnastics team as walking into the gym and seeing Monica Decker-Veal’s smiling face.

Decker-Veal, in her fifth year as a member of the gymnastics staff, is an invaluable part of the Crimson Tide program.

“Monica is by far one of the finest athletic trainers that I have worked with,” head coach Sarah Patterson said. “Her rapport with the staff and the athletes is exceptional and her knowledge of rehabilitation is outstanding. She has a gift for working with elite level athletes. I think anyone can know the nuts and bolts of training, but I think it takes someone who is gifted to work with elite level athletes.”

A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Decker-Veal came a long way to work with the Crimson Tide. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Arizona State in 2000, and in 2002 she earned a Master’s in Sports Medicine Health Care from The University of Alabama.

“Even though I’m out of school,” Decker-Veal said. “I feel like I’ll still be learning something new no matter how long I’m in the profession. You can never know enough when it comes to working with elite-level athletes.”

In addition to serving as a certified athletic trainer on the Tide staff, Decker-Veal is also an instructor in Alabama’s athletic training undergraduate program as well as serving as coordinator of the University’s clinical proficiency lab.

Much of her day to day work, especially in the preseason, is spent on preventative measures, helping stop problems before they get started. During the season, most of Decker-Veal’s time is spent helping the athletes maintain their health and fitness levels.

“Positive reinforcement is a big part of the job,” Decker-Veal said. “To be there everyday, encouraging them, letting them know that they are making progress and keeping them positive.”

And in the case of injuries, she is there through their rehab to help them return to peak health as quickly and safely as possible. Decker-Veal worked extensively with 2002 senior Andreé Pickens, helping her come back from a torn Achilles tendon. She was part of a team that included orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, that helped Pickens not only come back in record time, but helped Alabama to its fourth NCAA Championship in 2002.

For her efforts during the 2002 season, Decker-Veal was awarded the David Dutton Award, given to individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty for the Alabama Gymnastics program.

In addition to her other duties, Decker-Veal also tries to teach her charges the importance of carrying on healthy habits into the life beyond their career.

“I hope that I can teach them all enough about taking care of themselves, that when they go out into the world, they enjoy healthy and successful lives,” Decker-Veal said. “And being part of the Alabama gymnastics ‘family’ I look forward to watching them grow and mature over the years.”

Decker-Veal is married to Jeremy Veal. The couple have a daughter, Ayana Berenice.