DEMOREST, Ga. - Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jim Peeples has announced the promotion of Ashlyn Atnip to Head Athletic Trainer. Atnip joined Piedmont's staff in the fall of 2023 as an Assistant Athletic Trainer and was quickly promoted to Associate Head Athletic Trainer in the spring of 2024.
"As a former student-athlete who went through our athletic training academic program, Ashlyn brings a passion for this role that is unique because she is a great example of the impact Piedmont made on her during her time here," Peeples said. "Ashlyn was a tremendous teammate to her women's soccer team, and you could see her passion for athletic training during the time that she was completing her clinical hours working with our full-time trainers covering sports after her soccer seasons. I am thrilled that we can bring an alumnus back to Piedmont to serve in this role."
Atnip was promoted to Associate Head Athletic Trainer in the spring following the departure of Brittany Walker and Head Athletic Trainer Matt McKinney. Atnip stepped up to help guide the athletic training staff through a chaotic spring with just three athletic trainers, navigating scheduling challenges and ensuring student-athlete safety and wellness was the top priority.
"I am thankful for the opportunity to be trusted with this leadership role and the direction of our athletic training department here at Piedmont," Atnip said. "Piedmont continues to be home for me and I am excited to see all we can accomplish this upcoming year."
"Her impact on our student-athletes and students in the athletic training program will be unmatched because she has walked in those students' shoes here at Piedmont," Peeples said. "I can't thank her enough for the tremendous job she did this spring serving in this role on an interim basis. She, Kristin Whitlock, and Gabby Lotter did a wonderful job in difficult circumstances. I am confident Ashlyn will excel in this role."
Prior to Piedmont, Atnip was an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Lander University for the 2022-23 academic year. During her time in grad school, Atnip was a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Georgia College & State University from 2019-2021 working with the volleyball and baseball programs. She was also promoted to Co-Head Athletic Trainer while at Georgia College & State University.
While at Piedmont as an undergraduate student, Atnip was a four-year member of the women's soccer team helping the Lady Lions to three USA South Tournament Championships and a USA South regular season championship. The Lady Lions also posted an undefeated season in 2017.
Atnip earned her bachelor of science in athletic training from Piedmont College in 2019 and her master's in health and human performance from Georgia College & State University in 2021.
She is certified through the BOC and licensed as an Athletic Trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA).
