Athletic Trainer Recognized Among Influential Women of 2025

Influential Women has honored Danielle Schoenbacher, MS, LAT, ATC, NASM-PES, CSS, as part of its 2025 series, celebrating her dedication to advancing athletic performance, injury prevention, and athlete development throughout Kentucky and beyond.

Currently serving as Head Athletic Trainer at Kentucky State University through UK HealthCare, Schoenbacher oversees care for more than 400 student-athletes across 10 sports.

She’s responsible for everything from on-field emergency care to injury prevention programs, rehabilitation, and coordinating medical referrals — all while maintaining a teaching mindset that extends to the next generation of Athletic Training students.

“There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone who was sidelined by an injury get back on the field doing what they love,” Schoenbacher said. “Working with college-level athletes pushes me to be at my best every day.”

Her recognition comes after years of dedicated service across multiple levels of athletic care, including roles at Kilgore College, Baylor Scott & White Health, and O’Fallon Township High School.

Schoenbacher’s academic path reflects her passion for athlete health and performance, earning her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from McKendree University and a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from PennWest California, where she specialized in both performance enhancement and sports psychology.

As the first in her family to graduate college — and the only one with a master’s degree — Schoenbacher says she’s proud to serve as a role model for hard work and perseverance.  

Her recognition as an Influential Woman underscores the powerful impact Athletic Trainers can have—shaping not just performance outcomes, but the confidence and wellbeing of every athlete they serve. Read the full story here!