June 8, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford's Michelle Johnson was named the Alabama College and University Athletic Trainer of the Year at the annual Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association meetings held in Sandestin, Fla., it was announced Friday.

Johnson, in her third year as an assistant athletic trainer at Samford, was recognized for her excellence in service as a collegiate athletic trainer. She works primarily with the Bulldogs' four-time Ohio Valley Conference regular-season champion women's soccer team.

Johnson's responsibilities include prevention, management, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries for Samford's student-athletes. She also serves as an instructor in the Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Department.

Before coming to Samford, Johnson worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from August 2003-May 2005. At UAB, she worked with the women's soccer and synchronized swimming teams.

Johnson, a native of Columbus, Ohio, graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor's of science degree in athletic training with an emphasis in exercise physiology in June 2003. She then earned her master's degree in health education from UAB in May 2005.

Johnson is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and sits on the Ethics Committee to represent the Southeast Region.