DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont University Athletics has announced the addition of Grayson Smith as an assistant athletic trainer, joining the department ahead of the 2025-26 academic year.

Smith comes to Piedmont from the University of North Georgia, where she recently completed her master's in athletic training. She also earned her bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a concentration in sports medicine from UNG in 2023.

"We're thrilled to welcome Grayson to our athletic training team," said head athletic trainer Ashlyn Atnip. "She brings a strong clinical background, energy, and a genuine commitment to student-athlete care. Her experience across different competitive levels will be a great asset to our department."

While completing her graduate studies, Smith gained hands-on experience through clinical rotations at multiple collegiate and high school settings. Her stops included Young Harris College, Truett McConnell University, White County and Habersham Central High Schools, as well as outpatient orthopedic and rehab facilities such as Atlanta Rehabilitation and Northeast Georgia Physicians Group. Throughout her rotations, she worked with a variety of sports including football, wrestling, volleyball, baseball, softball, and lacrosse.

Smith is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and holds certifications in basic life support, Stop the Bleed and Narcan administration. She is also certified through BOC.

"I'm incredibly excited to join the Piedmont community," Smith said. "The opportunity to support student-athletes at a place with such a strong athletic tradition and tight-knit atmosphere is something I'm really looking forward to. I'm ready to get started and contribute in any way I can."

Smith officially began her role in August 2025.