Danielle Schoenbacher, MS, LAT, ATC, NASM-PES, CSS
Danielle Schoenbacher, MS, LAT, ATC, NASM-PES, CSS is a dedicated athletic trainer with a strong background in sports medicine and orthopaedic care. Currently serving at UK HealthCare, Danielle provides comprehensive athletic training outreach and support, combining her expertise in performance enhancement, injury prevention, and sports psychology.
Her journey into athletic training was inspired by her experience as a collegiate student-athlete, where she developed a passion for the sports medicine side of athletics. Danielle holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with dual concentrations in Performance Enhancement/Injury Prevention and Sports Psychology from PennWest California, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training with minors in Sports Performance and Sports Psychology from McKendree University. She is a certified and licensed athletic trainer, a National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist, and a Certified Speed Specialist through the National Academy of Speed and Explosion.
Throughout her career, Danielle has gained valuable experience in a variety of athletic and healthcare settings, including roles as Head Athletic Trainer at Kilgore College and Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Baylor Scott & White Health. She has also supported athletes at O’Fallon Township High School and continues to make an impact through her current role at UK HealthCare.
As the first in her family to graduate from college and the only member with a master’s degree, Danielle is proud to be a role model for persistence and achievement. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys working out, reading, and spending quality time with her family.
• Certified Athletic Trainer
• Licensed Athletic Trainer
• National Academy of Sports Medicine- Performance Enhancement Specialist
• National Academy of Speed and Explosion- Certified Speed Specialist
• McKendree University - BS
• PennWest California - MS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the fact that I truly enjoy strength and performance training. Teaching students and watching them grow stronger both physically and mentally keeps me motivated every day. One of the most rewarding parts of my career is helping athletes recover from injuries and return to play. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone who was sidelined by an injury get back on the field doing what they love. Currently, I train and care for about 400 athletes on my own. I manage treatment times, communicate with coaches, monitor football practices to ensure safety, and step in quickly if an athlete gets hurt. I make referrals to doctors when necessary and document every injury with accuracy and care. Working with national-level athletes pushes me to be at my best every day. I take pride in balancing performance enhancement with injury prevention so athletes can compete at their highest level safely.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Outside of work, I value balance and connection. I love hiking with my dog and traveling back home to Illinois to spend time with my family. Those moments recharge me and help me bring my best self back to my athletes.