ELMHURST, Ill. – Elmhurst University and Director of Athletics Glen Brittich have announced the promotion of Kayla Johnson as Elmhurst's next Director of Sports Medicine.

"Since the first day Kayla came to Elmhurst University, it was clear her priority was to look out for our student-athletes. She has always put our student-athletes first in every conversation and has helped create a great culture in our sports medicine department" Dr. Brittich said. "Additionally, her experiences will allow us to keep growing and providing new ways to support our student-athletes. With her guidance, we believe our sports medicine staff will continue to provide excellent care to our student-athletes."

Johnson has served Bluejay student-athletes as an Assistant Athletic Trainer the past two years, beginning with Elmhurst in August 2022. Johnson primarily worked with the Elmhurst football and men's lacrosse teams. In addition to her duties, Johnson serves as Elmhurst's Diversity and Inclusion Designee, spearheading DEI efforts for the department and representing Elmhurst at various NCAA and CCIW DEID meetings.

In her new role as Director of Sports Medicine, Johnson will oversee all of the department's athletic training and medicinal needs, overseeing three full-time athletic trainers and student staff.

"I am extremely excited to continue to work with the student-athletes at Elmhurst University as the Director of Sports Medicine. My priority has always been the mental. emotional, and physical wellbeing of our student-athletes, and I plan to provide the best experience possible for each student-athlete" Johnson said.

Johnson spent two previous years working with Athletico. While at Athletico, Johnson served as a trainer at both Elmwood Park High School and Oak Park and River Forest High School. Johnson also spent a year as a Clinical Research Assistant at the Medical College of Wisconsin and began her clinical experience as an Athletic Training Intern at Northwestern University where she worked with the football team.

Johnson earned her bachelor's degree in athletic training from Carroll University where she worked with the football, baseball, volleyball, and women's soccer teams as a student trainer. She completed her master's degree in athletic training from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2022.