Piedmont Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Performance and Athletic Training Dr. Matt McKinney announced the promotion of Brittany Walker to associate head athletic trainer.
Walker joined Piedmont’s staff in the spring of 2021 and enters her fourth year in the fall of 2023.
“It is a great feeling when you can elevate a staff member into a more senior position inside of your department,” McKinney said. “Brittany has shown a maturity level that is second-to-none and her organizational skills and attention to detail will be of great importance as she moves into a role with more administrative responsibilities. I look forward to collaborating closely with her as we continue to make the athletic training department the best it can be.”
Over her first three seasons, Walker has primarily worked with the cross country, track and field and women’s lacrosse programs.
She also served as a student athletic trainer for multiple teams during her undergraduate career at Piedmont including baseball, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball.
“I am very blessed for this opportunity and thankful for all who made it possible, especially Dr. Matt McKinney,” Walker said. “I am extremely excited about this new position, and I look forward to continuing to help our student athletes here at Piedmont. Go Lions!”
Walker was a four-year member of the women’s basketball team at Piedmont helping lead the Lady Lions to three straight USA South Tournament Championships and earned all-conference honors twice in her career. She earned her bachelor of science in athletic training from Piedmont College in 2020.
She is certified through the BOC and licensed as an Athletic Trainer. A member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), she is also Red Cross BLS and First Aid certified.
Ashlyn Atnip was hired as an assistant athletic trainer. Atnip joins Piedmont after serving at Lander University for the 2022-23 academic year.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to return to my alma mater and to work alongside many familiar faces,” Atnip said. “I have always loved the atmosphere at Piedmont and I am excited to continue my career where it all started.”
Atnip joins Piedmont after working with the women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs at Lander. She provided injury management, prevention and worked closely with team doctors.
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.
“We are beyond thrilled to add Ashlyn to our staff,” Dr. McKinney said. “Not only is she an alum of the athletics department and our athletic training program, she is an experienced healthcare provider. Her knowledge of the institution and experience will be great for the student-athletes.”
She has also gained valuable experience with the Habersham Medical Center as a Head Athletic Trainer and PRN from July 2021 through May 2023.
While at Piedmont, 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 masters 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).