Demorest, Georgia - The Piedmont University athletic training department has added an Assistant Athletic Trainer with the hire of
Katie Williamson as announced by the department leader, Head Athletic Trainer Ashlyn Atnip.
"We are really excited to be bringing Katie on staff with us," said Head Athletic Trainer Ashlyn Atnip of the new hire. "Her background and experience already make her familiar with the culture of Piedmont athletics. Katie will help us continue to provide the best coverage we can for the student-athletes at Piedmont."
Williamson is familiar with the Piedmont Lions having been a college athlete herself suiting up for the Bears of Truett-McConnell University in both Indoor and Beach Volleyball from 2020-2024.
She brings clinical experience from Auburn University, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro High School, and even the first responders at the Statesboro Fire and Police Departments.
Williamson was delighted to join the Lions in August of '26 saying, "I am incredibly excited to join the Piedmont team and work alongside such an outstanding staff. I look forward to supporting our student-athletes by providing the highest level of care and helping them perform at their best both on and off the field."
Education
Truett McConnell University, May 2024 (BS in Exercise Science)
Georgia Southern University, May 2026 (MS in Athletic Training)
Professional Memberships, Licenses, Certifications
BLS Certification from the American Heart Association
CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers with Administering Emergency Oxygen and First Aid
Collegiate Playing Career at Truett McConnell University (2020-2024)
Played for both the Indoor and Beach Volleyball Teams (2020-2024)
Represented the Bears at Multiple NAIA Regional and National Tournaments (2020-2024)
Led Beach Team to 3rd Place Finish at AVCA Small College National Championships (2024)
Appeared in Over 100 Indoor Matches During Her Career
Beyond Piedmont
~ The Loveliest Village on the Plains Propels Williamson to Piedmont ~
The end of her graduate work saw Williamson spend her final semester working with tennis as well the swim & dive teams at Auburn University in Alabama.
Williamson spent this time gaining hands-on experience needed to be the best athletic trainer she could be while also applying her time in refining her AT skills at the home of the Tigers.
~ Division I Football Experience Key to Career Development ~
Williamson spent of her most recent clinical experience with Georgia Southern University, the same institution that saw her earn her graduate degree in athletic training.
While with the Eagles, Williamson developed experience in skills like evaluation and therapeutic interventions amongst other abilities that translate well towards building her skill set.
Her time at Georgia Southern allowed Williamson to, in her own words, "operate in an organized program with high expectations that allowed me to collaborate with the staff while also leading other athletic training students and workers to perform at their best."
Williamson served as a Research Assistant at GSU for the 2025-26 academic year while also assisting with the implementation of Pre-Participation Physicals in the summer of 2026.
~ Not a One-Level Athletic Trainer ~
Statesboro High School was another clinical experience for Williamson prior to her days at Piedmont.
Williamson gained experience with youth athletes preparing for their collegiate athletics jump while engaging specifically with track and field, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and baseball athletes.
~ Expanding Beyond the Collegiate Realm ~
Williamson's experience is not limited to the college or high school ranks as she also spent a semester in her graduate work gaining clinical experience with the Statesboro Fire and Police Departments.
Collaborating with first responders to address injuries sustained on the job, Williamson's experience allowed her to enhance her knowledge of rehabilitation, therapeutic modalities, and patient-centered social interaction.
