ATs on the Move: New Faces in Collegiate Sports Medicine

At Healthy Roster, we love following the career paths of Athletic Trainers as they take on new opportunities across the country. Each move represents not only professional growth but also the continued commitment to keeping athletes safe, healthy, and at their best. Here are three exciting additions to collegiate sports medicine staffs:

Quintin Smidzik, MEd, LAT, ATC, has joined Valparaiso University as the Athletic Trainer for the softball program. Smidzik arrives after serving as a graduate assistant with Wichita State’s softball team, where he also earned his Master of Education in exercise science. A proud Iowa State graduate, Smidzik gained early experience working with the Cyclones’ softball and football programs, as well as Drake football. At Valpo, he’ll also provide coverage for track & field during the fall, bringing a wealth of hands-on experience and certifications to his new role.

Hofstra University has welcomed Kira Meerholz to its Athletic Training staff, where she’ll work with the Pride’s volleyball program. Meerholz comes to Hofstra after two years at High Point University, where she supported cross country and track & field athletes while also taking on administrative duties within the sports medicine department. A graduate of the University of Alabama, she worked with a range of Crimson Tide programs including basketball, football, volleyball, and softball, and also interned at Tennessee. Originally from New Jersey, she recently completed her master’s in sport management from the University of Florida.

Northwestern State University has added Bailey Sarna, MSAT, LAT, ATC, RDN, to its sports medicine team. Sarna earned her Master of Science in Athletic Training at Northern Arizona, where she completed rotations with Division I football, volleyball, and track & field programs at both NAU and Colorado. She also holds a degree in exercise science from Kansas, where she worked with Jayhawk football. In addition to her clinical skills, Sarna is a registered dietitian, blending her background in nutrition with evidence-based rehabilitation to deliver comprehensive, athlete-centered care.

At Healthy Roster, we’re proud to highlight the journeys of Athletic Trainers as they step into new opportunities and make an impact on the athletes and programs they serve. Congratulations to Quintin, Kira, and Bailey as they begin the next chapter of their careers!