Author Details

Michael McKenney has a master’s degree in sports health care from A.T. Still University. He has worked as a licensed athletic trainer since 1997 and a strength and conditioning specialist since 2000. During this tenure, he has presented at multiple continuing education symposiums on topics such as “the evaluation of the overhead throwing shoulder” and “lower extremity injuries and treatment options.” In addition, he currently serves as the professional education committee chair for the Arizona Athletic Trainer’s Association and has recently authored a chapter in a clinical textbook on the shoulder.  

Faculty Spotlight Questions:
I am originally from Michigan, where I graduated from Albion College with a degree in exercise science. I became a certified athletic trainer and moved to Arizona to attend A.T. Still University, where I completed my master’s degree in sports health care. I am a licensed athletic trainer with 18 years of experience working in high school, collegiate and professional sports settings.

Prior to coming to GCU, I worked for 13 years as an athletic therapist and strength and conditioning coach at the Fischer Institute in Phoenix. This is my fourth year as a full-time faculty member for the GCU athletic training program and my fifth overall. I have a lovely wife, Cristina, and two children, Gabriel and Domenica. I attend Grace Bible Church in Tempe and I enjoy camping, mountain biking and basketball.

What I enjoy most is the opportunity to be used by the Lord for His work on campus in the lives of those I am able to interact with, including students and a stellar faculty and staff. It is also a great honor to witness and assist students in pursuit of the purpose they have been created for – serving others in a way that benefits their health.

Three things to remember and practice:

Pursue the calling God has placed on your life for your vocation.
Don’t confuse having a life with having a career.
As far as it depends on you, don’t be the smartest person at your first job.