Healthy Roster keeps Athletic Trainers up to date on the people and moves shaping the sports medicine world. As schools and universities prepare for another year of competition, three programs have recently added Athletic Trainers to support student-athlete health and safety.
Cullman High School in Alabama has named Patrick Johnson its new Athletic Trainer for the 2026-27 school year through a partnership with Baptist Health. Johnson brings experience from the University of Tennessee football program and six years working with high schools in Blount County. He will support Bearcat athletes across all sports, providing injury prevention, assessment, emergency care and rehabilitation while coordinating with physicians, physical therapists, coaches and parents. “I am ecstatic about having the opportunity to be a part of the CHS sports program,” Johnson said. “I look forward to bringing my experiences and knowledge to help provide amazing care for our CHS student athletes.”
Washington and Lee University has hired Kimber Scifres as an assistant Athletic Trainer working primarily with men’s soccer, women’s basketball and baseball. Scifres earned a master’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in May and completed nearly 680 clinical hours at Colorado College during the 2025-26 academic year. Additional clinical rotations included work with student-athletes at two Colorado high schools. “I am passionate about building meaningful relationships with student-athletes and providing individualized, high-quality care that supports them both on and off the field,” Scifres said.
The University of South Dakota has welcomed Luke Bembenek to its sports medicine team as the head Athletic Trainer for volleyball and tennis. Bembenek earned his master’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May after gaining clinical experience with football, volleyball, baseball and women’s hockey. He also arrives in Vermillion with some familiarity with the Coyotes, having worked with USD football’s athletic training staff during the 2025 season as part of his clinical immersion experience.
From high school sidelines to collegiate sports medicine departments, these new hires reflect the Athletic Trainers beginning new chapters while helping their programs prepare for the seasons ahead. Healthy Roster will continue sharing news about the professionals working every day to support athlete health and safety.