Hope College | Athletic Training

^top



	hope college > academic departments > athletic training

People	<
Program	<
Facilities	<
DLSSM	<
News	<
Sports Medicine Service	<
Other AT Links	<
Prospective Students	<

Kristen Smith, Class of 1988

Name: Kristen Smith
Hometown: Palos Heights, IL
High School: Chicago Christian

Activities While At Hope:

Varsity Softball, Varsity Basketball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Committee, Chapel Choir, Nykerk Cup Competition, Student Athletic Trainer.

Life After Hope College:

Summer 1988 - Player and Athletic Trainer, Athletes In Action USA Women's Basketball Ecuador Tour.
1988 - 1991 - Assistant Varsity and JV Women's Basketball Coach, Hope College.
1989 - 1991 - Athletic Trainer - Holland Community Hospital.
1991 - 1992 - Graduate Student in Athletic Training, Western Michigan University, Graduatete Assistant, Kalamazoo College.
1992 - 1994 - Athletic Trainer - Oaklawn Sports Rehab Center, Marshall, MI. Head Athletic Trainer, Marshall High School.
1992 - 1996 - Assistant Softball Coach, Kalamazoo College.
1994 - Pres.- Head Athletic Trainer, Kalamazoo College.

Since I graduated from Hope I have been able to pursue many areas of interest. I would not have been able to do these things without the knowledge, experience, and support I received from Richard Ray, the athletic training program, and the other faculty and staff at Hope. Professionally, I have arrived at the position which I dreamed about having while at Hope - athletic trainer, coach, and instructor at the college level.

My life, however, is not just work. I stay somewhat active playing soccer throughout the year (indoor and outdoor) and several nights of softball during the summer. With the summers off I have also been able to travel quite a bit. The highlight of this past summer was picking up a new hobby - skydiving. Maybe one day I will be one of those skydivers who lands in the middle of the football field at homecoming!

I was very excited when Rich let me in the athletic training program. I particularly enjoyed the "deep intellectual" conversations during football practice! I enjoy athletic training very much. The interaction with the athletes and the creative problem solving provide a medium for my "caretaker" personality.

(Editor's Note: Kris is presently the Head Athletic Trainer at Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, MI)