Kinzee Goehring wanted to work in health care.
She’s also a sports fan.
A career in athletic training fits both interests.
A Wyoming native, Goehring attended UNK as an undergraduate student, earning a bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2018. She enjoyed the program’s emphasis on hands-on learning and the opportunities to work with professionals in the field and athletes at various levels.
“When I was going through the degree program, we interned with physical therapists and high school athletic trainers. We were able to sit in on different orthopedic surgeries,” she says. “Overall, the program provides realistic experiences and encourages full immersion into the profession.”
After graduating from UNK, Goehring continued her education at St. Mary’s University in Texas, where she received a master’s degree in educational leadership and worked as a graduate assistant with the sports medicine team. She spent time at the University of Central Oklahoma and worked with the International Finals Rodeo before returning to Kearney in summer 2022.
“After graduating from UNK, I honestly didn’t have any intentions on coming back. I actually wanted to work my way up to DI athletics and find a job that was closer to where I am originally from,” she says. “I’m happy to say that didn’t work out! After a couple years into my first full-time job as an athletic trainer, I realized I liked the DII level. When the UNK job opened up, I knew it would be a good opportunity.”
As the head assistant athletic trainer for UNK Athletics, Goehring works primarily with Loper women’s basketball and the men’s and women’s tennis teams. She provides medical care during practices and games and assists with daily operations of the athletic training room, which serves all UNK student-athletes.
She also maintains the inventory of athletic training equipment and supplies, completes medical paperwork for student-athletes and serves as a preceptor for the Master of Athletic Training program.
“It’s hard watching athletes struggle with any injury, but watching them get back to playing makes it all worth it. I also enjoy getting to know the student-athletes and coaches and forming professional relationships that help build a positive work environment and friendships that last even after the athlete or coach leaves UNK.”
