Katy Griffith joined the Shenandoah athletic training staff in August, 2022 as an assistant before being named head athletic trainer in May, 2023, bringing extensive experience and a passion for athlete care to her role. With a strong educational background and a comprehensive understanding of sports medicine, Griffith is dedicated to ensuring the well-being and optimal performance of Shenandoah’s student-athletes.
Griffith earned both her Master of Science in Athletic Training and Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with a minor in Biology, from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. During her graduate studies, she co-authored a thesis titled "Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Warm-Up Compared to a Dynamic Warm-Up in Collegiate Athletes and Dancers," showcasing her commitment to evidence-based practices in athletic training.
Griffith began her athletic training career at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV, where she served as a Certified Athletic Trainer from August 2016 until her current role at Shenandoah. At Shepherd, she played a critical role in the athletic department, particularly as the assistant football athletic trainer and head baseball athletic trainer. Her responsibilities included independently evaluating acute and chronic injuries, developing and implementing care plans, and managing rehabilitation programs and return-to-play protocols. Griffith also played an essential role in concussion management, administering ImPACT baseline and post-injury assessments and determining athletes' return-to-play status.
Griffith's experience also extends to working with national teams, as she served as a certified athletic trainer for the U.S.A. Men’s and Women’s Deaf Volleyball Teams during the PANAM Deaf Volleyball Regional Qualifiers in Washington, D.C. Her role involved performing initial evaluations, implementing treatment plans, and preparing athletes for competition through specialized modalities and exercises.
During her time as a student, Griffith gained hands-on experience at both Shepherd University and various high schools, including Strasburg High School and Clarke County High School. These roles honed her skills in injury evaluation, care plan development, rehabilitation, and communication with athletes, parents, and medical staff.
Griffith has contributed to the field of sports medicine through research and publication. She co-authored a study titled "Differences in Scapular Muscle Activation Ratios During Functional Shoulder Exercises," published in Sports Medicine Research: In the Lab & In the Field in November 2014.
At Shenandoah, Griffith is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that prioritizes the health, safety, and performance of student-athletes. Her blend of clinical expertise, research, and a deep commitment to athlete well-being makes her a valuable leader within the university’s athletic department.
