Caitlin Thompson, MS, ATC, CSCS
Caitlin Thompson, MS, ATC, CSCS, is an accomplished athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist based in Pearl City, Hawaii. With extensive experience across collegiate athletics, military settings, and sports performance, Caitlin has built a career focused on optimizing physical health, injury prevention, and athletic development. She currently serves as an Athletic Trainer with the United States Marine Corps, where she combines her expertise in sports medicine with her dedication to supporting service members’ performance and well-being.
Prior to her military role, Caitlin held positions as an Athletic Trainer at Dartmouth College and the University of San Diego, and as a Graduate Assistant at The George Washington University, where she earned her Master of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning. Throughout her career, Caitlin has worked closely with athletes and individuals of all ages, emphasizing performance coaching, fitness, and health optimization, with a particular focus on prenatal and postpartum support for women. Her approach blends scientific knowledge with hands-on mentorship, empowering clients to reach their personal goals safely and effectively.
In addition to her professional practice, Caitlin is actively involved in mentorship and community initiatives. She has participated in the NSCA Women’s Leadership Mentorship Program and coached youth and high school ice hockey, instilling both athletic skills and life lessons in young athletes. Caitlin is also in the process of launching a business with her husband aimed at providing resources and coaching to support women’s health and performance. Passionate about fitness, health, and empowerment, she strives to create opportunities for individuals to invest in themselves, fostering resilience, confidence, and well-being across the communities she serves.
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• Run Coach Certification
• Certified Athletic Trainer
• The George Washington University – Master of Science (MS), Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning Focus
• University of New Hampshire – Bachelor of Science (BS), Athletic Training
• National Athletic Training Association (NATA)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Far West Athletic Training Association
• NSCA Women's Leadership Mentorship Program
• Girl’s Varsity Assistant Ice Hockey Coach, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
• Youth Ice Hockey Coach, Dover Youth Hockey Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to embracing my own journey and making intentional choices that align with my goals. While guidance from mentors is invaluable, I have learned the importance of evaluating advice and applying what truly fits my path, rather than following external expectations blindly.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The advice that has resonated most with me is to trust my own path and make decisions based on my personal fit and timing, rather than external pressure. Mentorship provides guidance, but ultimately, your career journey is yours to own.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be comfortable owning your own journey and making decisions that are right for you. While mentors and external advice are valuable, always evaluate how guidance fits your individual path. Personal growth comes when you integrate professional advice thoughtfully while staying true to yourself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face in my field is establishing visibility and credibility as I launch my new business. At the same time, there is a tremendous opportunity to expand access to performance coaching and postpartum support for women, empowering more individuals to invest in their health and long-term well-being.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value empowering individuals to invest in their own health, showing up authentically, and fostering positive growth both professionally and personally. I prioritize thoughtful, respectful engagement with others, while embracing life stages fully, such as my first year of motherhood, and pursuing passions like marathon running and open-water diving.
Locations
United States Marine Corps
Pearl City, HI 96782