Joni Johnson, who served as Austin Peay State University’s assistant athletic trainer for the past 14 years and has been the department’s interim head athletic trainer since December, has had interim removed from her title.
Johnson became the department’s third head athletic trainer all-time, succeeding Chuck Kimmel, who retired in December after 25 years in the position.
“Joni is very knowledgeable in her field,” APSU Athletics Director Dave Loos said. “She brings a great deal of experience to the position. Over the years, she has been able to establish a good rapport with our student-athletes and they have confidence in her abilities?she is a good fit for this position.
“I have every confidence in the world she will do a terrific job for us.”
The Advance, Ind., native has been a part of the APSU training staff since 1991-92 when she served as graduate assistant. Johnson was elevated to a full-time position the following year. She is responsible for treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of APSU athletes in all sports. Johnson specifically has worked with the men's basketball team in the winter months and tennis in the spring. She also aided with the football team early in her career.
Johnson came to APSU in 1991 after attaining her undergraduate degree in sports studies with a specialty in management along athletic training and business minors from the University of Evansville. While at Evansville, she received the Catherine Wolffe Scholarship for the Health and Physical Education students.
She is a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, from which she earned the 1995-96 Backbone of the Year Award, annually presented to the top assistant trainer of the year. Johnson also was selected for the same honor at the state level.
In addition, she received the Order of Nanook Award, presented to the outstanding trainer at the 2000 Top of the World Men’s Basketball Classic in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Johnson also has been a member of the health and human performance faculty, teaching public and community health.
