Meet Tyler Killinger ‘16. He was hired as the head athletic trainer for Orlando City Soccer Club only five years post-graduation. Through a set of unique opportunities, he has had the chance to learn from some of the best in the business and grow his skillset to the level necessary for his current role. The faculty at UCF, he says, were pivotal in opening those doors and providing ample opportunity to grow and explore the field. Recently, he received an award from the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida as the Professional Athletic Trainer of the Year. Killinger chose athletic training because he has a passion for helping others and a commitment to supporting athletes and patients. He says the ability to make a difference in lives is fulfilling and motivating and looks forward to doing it for years to come.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training with Honors
Current Role: Head Athletic Trainer at Orlando City Soccer Club
How did your academic experience at UCF guide you in your post-grad pursuits?
My academic experience at UCF has been instrumental in shaping my career and providing me with numerous opportunities for success. As an undergraduate student, I had the privilege of interning with Orlando City, an opportunity made possible by the dedication and support of the Athletic Training Program professors: Kristen Schellhase, Jen Plant and Carlos Gual. This internship laid the foundation for my professional journey, eventually leading to my rejoining Orlando City in 2019.
The mentorship, guidance, and references from the UCF faculty were crucial in helping me obtain my master’s degree. They also opened doors for me for the unique opportunity to work in extreme sports across North America. Additionally, during my time at UCF, I completed an undergraduate thesis under the support of Dr. Schellhase, which was successfully published in the Journal of Athletic Training following graduation.
These experiences at UCF provided me with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to thrive in my post-grad pursuits, and I am deeply grateful for the support and opportunities that UCF has afforded me.
What has your post-graduate career journey been like?
My post-graduate career has been marked by rapid growth within the athletic training profession and numerous incredible opportunities. After graduating from UCF, I attended the University of New Mexico (UNM) where I earned a master’s in exercise science while teaching in their Athletic Training Program under the mentorship of Dr. Susan McGowen. At UNM, I expanded my professional network with the support of several mentors, which opened many doors in my career, including opportunities to work in extreme sports.
In 2019, I joined Orlando City as an athletic trainer, where I spent one year. During the pandemic in 2020, I had the unique opportunity to join our MLS team for the “MLS is Back” tournament at Disney, which was the first major professional league to return to competition in the U.S. during COVID. We spent 49 days in the “Bubble,” ensuring the safety and performance of our athletes.
In the 2020 and 2021 MLS seasons, I served as an assistant athletic trainer for Orlando City. In 2022, I was honored to step into the role of head athletic trainer, becoming the youngest head athletic trainer in MLS. That year, our team had the most successful season in club history, securing our first trophy by winning the 2022 U.S. Open Cup.
I now serve on the Executive Committee for the Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers’ Society, and I am in my sixth season with Orlando City, my third as the head athletic trainer.
I continue to learn, grow, and encourage my colleagues to do the same. I also strive to give back to my profession and UCF by bringing interns onto our team each semester, providing students with the same opportunities I had as an undergraduate interning with a professional team.
What is the best thing about serving with a professional sports team?
The best part of working with a professional sports team is the relationships I’ve developed with my athletes and helping them recover faster so they can return to what they love. For many athletes, their sport is their identity, and playing a role in supporting them to get back on the field and contribute to the team’s success is an incredible feeling.
Building these strong relationships and seeing the direct impact of my work on their recovery and performance is both rewarding and motivating. It’s truly fulfilling to be part of their journey and to celebrate their achievements alongside them.
What advice would you give to students in the athletic training program?
To current athletic training students and those interested in the profession, my advice is to get involved and build connections. Athletic training is a small community, and developing meaningful relationships can open many doors throughout your journey.
Trust the process and take advantage of every opportunity and experience to learn and grow. In a rapidly growing profession, it’s crucial to remain diligent in your studies and embrace the mindset of being a lifelong learner.
Remember, it’s not always about what you know, but who you know. However, when you show up, you better know!
