Kristen Couper Schellhase is the program director for the Athletic Training Program at the University of Central Florida. Previously, she was an associate athletic trainer at UCF working with the Softball and Track and Field Teams from 1999-2004. She has been an instructor with the program since 2000. She has a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from UCF, a Master of Education in Athletic Training from the University of Virginia, and an undergraduate degree in exercise science/athletic training from The Pennsylvania State University.
Before coming to UCF, Schellhase was the assistant athletic trainer at Coastal Carolina University, working with 18 Division I sports teams. While there, she became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and she supervised the student athletic trainer internship program and student athletic trainers’ organization.
Schellhase teaches several courses in the program, including Foundational Behaviors of AT I and II, Prevention of Injury and Illness in AT, Therapeutic Interventions in AT I and II, and Administration in AT I and II. She is also the primary advisor to the program’s students, and a former advisor of the Student Athletic Training Organization (SATO). She is the current advisor for the Gamma Iota chapter of Iota Tau Alpha (ITA), the National Academic Honor Society for the athletic training profession. Schellhase served as the athletic trainer to the U-21 Women’s Basketball National Team, traveling to France and Moscow for the World Championships. She is a 2007 recipient of the NACADA Outstanding New Faculty Advisor Award. She also received the 2005 ATAF College and University Athletic Trainer of the Year Award and a 2012 NACADA Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit Winner – Faculty Academic Advising Category.
Schellhase stays active as an athletic trainer by volunteering with Orange County Public Schools’ high schools and with the Magical Classic Gymnastics Meet (level 1- elite gymnastics).
Credentials
- EdD, Doctor of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Central Florida
- LAT, Licensed Athletic Trainer
- ATC, Certified Athletic Trainer
Areas of Specialty
- Organization & Administration in Athletic Training
- AT Knowledge of Therapeutic Modalities
- AT Education
Kristen Schellhase Inducted into 2022 Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida Hall of Fame
(pictured left) Kristen Schellhase and (right) Elaine Judy Kristen Schellhase, program director for UCF Athletic Training Program, was inducted into the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida (ATAF) Hall of Fame...
UCF Awards 137 Faculty With Promotion and Tenure
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New AT Scholarship Honors Program’s Co-Founder, Celebrates His Love for Family, Students and Profession
A new memorial scholarship in UCF Athletic Training honors David Cassidy, one of the co-founders of the athletic training program and a long-time supporter of the program and its students....
Preceptor of the Month: April 2021
Jillian Sutton, Preceptor of the Month for April, stands with Andrew McIntosh, UCF MAT student. For the month of April 2021, we celebrate Jillian Sutton as Preceptor of the Month!...
Athletic Training Student to Intern for San Francisco 49ers
Abiola Sasore, an international graduate student in the athletic training program, recently accepted an internship with the San Francisco 49ers. Sasore, who was born and raised in Ireland, grew up...
March 2021: Athletic Training Preceptor of the Month
For March 2021 we have chosen Brian DeAlmeida as our Preceptor of the Month! DeAlmeida is the head athletic trainer for the Orlando Solar Bears. He earned his BS in...
New Mentorship Program Pairs Athletic Training Students with Professionals
As students in the Master of Athletic Training program prepare for graduation and their next steps, a new mentorship opportunity will ease their transition into the workforce. The initiative matches...
AT Preceptor of the Month for February 2021: Scott Schenker
At right, Scott Shenker, head athletic trainer for Lake Highland Prep, receives his certificate as the UCF AT Preceptor of the Month for February 2021 from Mollie Przybocki, a UCF...
Athletic Training Preceptor of the Month for January 2021: Tessa McEvoy
For the month of January 2021, we celebrate Preceptor of the Month, Tessa McEvoy. As the assistant athletic trainer for UCF men’s soccer and women’s tennis, students are impressed with...
Athletic Training Program Prepares Students for Success, Present and Future
Healthcare delivery is an ever growing and evolving practice. To best meet the needs of the active population, athletic training as a profession has made changes to how future athletic...