KANSAS — Robin Johnson of Friends University and Kryslyn Henderson of Southwestern College were named the 2025-26 KCAC Head Athletic Trainer of the Year and Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year, respectively, the conference office announced Friday. This is the second time in the twelve-year history of the KCAC Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award that Johnson has secured the honor (also won in 2014-15), and this is the second time a Southwestern athletic training staff member has earned the honor in the five-year history of the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year award.
For the Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award, the KCAC recognizes one individual for exceptional performance as a head athletic trainer (or equivalent title on their campus). Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, within the conference, athletic training associations, and promotion of the profession.
For the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year award, the KCAC recognizes one individual each year for exceptional performance as a member of an athletic training staff. Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, within the conference, athletic training associations, and promotion of the profession.
"I am honored to receive this award and humbled to have worked with so many great people during my 27 years in this conference," Johnson said as he reflected on receiving the honor. "The KCAC leads in providing quality healthcare to student athletes and is full of countless hard-working athletic trainers who deserve a spotlight as well. Athletic trainers who work in small school environments understand that the commitment sometimes means long hours and late-night phone calls. But most do it because they love their job and most importantly the student-athletes. I am grateful for my talented staff: Kyler King, Serena Lytle, Zoey Lee and Desirae Reed."
Johnson just completed his 27th year in the conference, 25th year at Friends University, and 23rd year as the head athletic trainer at Friends. Prior to his time at Friends, he spent two years at McPherson College as the head athletic trainer. Johnson presides over an athletic training department that serves 24 programs and over 700 student-athletes. In addition to commanding the entire athletic training department at Friends, he serves as the primary athletic trainer for the Falcon cross country and track and field programs.
"Robin is a true professional and one of the best people you will ever meet," Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Expansion for Friends University, mentioned. "For nearly twenty-five years, he has cared for our student-athletes, visiting teams, and the families at our events, treating everyone with dignity and respect. He leads without ever needing the spotlight, develops the athletic trainers around him, and holds people accountable in a way they respect. We couldn't be more excited to see him recognized with the KCAC Athletic Trainer of the Year award."
"As a young athletic trainer, this recognition is truly an honor," Henderson remarked. "Athletic training is built on hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, but the opportunity to impact student-athletes' lives every day makes it all worthwhile. I am incredibly grateful for the mentors, colleagues, friends, and family who have helped me grow throughout my career. I love being part of our athletes' journeys, supporting them through challenges and celebrating their successes, and I am excited for what the future holds in this profession."
Henderson serves as the athletic trainer in charge of the Moundbuilder men's and women's soccer, cheer, dance, softball, and junior varsity men's basketball programs. She also fulfills other roles at Southwestern College, serving as an adjunct professor for Introduction to Athletic Training and First Aid and Safety, and also is on the staff advisory committee at the college.
She is very familiar with the KCAC and Southwestern College, having earned her Bachelor of Health Science (with a Minor in Business Administration) from Southwestern in 2022, before earning her Master of Science in Athletic Training from Sterling College in 2024.
"Kryslyn has truly jumped in with both feet, embracing every challenge with enthusiasm, compassion, and a healthy dose of grit," Lock Schnelle, head athletic trainer and associate athletic director at Southwestern, stated. "Her commitment to providing exceptional care for her teams is evident in the countless hours she invests each day. Beyond her tireless work ethic, she has shown tremendous growth as an athletic trainer, continually striving to learn, improve, and elevate the level of care she provides. Her passion for the profession, dedication to her student-athletes, and ability to push those around her to be better make her an invaluable member of our staff and a deserving recipient of the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year Award."
“We are incredibly grateful for Kryslyn and the servant leadership she demonstrates every day within our athletic department and athletic training staff," Matt O'Brien, Director of Athletics at Southwestern College, said. "She has done an outstanding job caring for and serving our student-athletes, always putting their health, well-being, and success first. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects the culture of service we strive to create at Southwestern. President Liz Frombgen has done a tremendous job building a student-centered culture across our campus, and Kryslyn exemplifies that mission through the way she invests in others. This honor is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, professionalism, and commitment to serving our students.”
Previous KCAC Head Athletic Trainer of the Year Winners
2024-25: Nathan Morrison, Kansas Wesleyan University
2023-24: Andrew Drake, Sterling College
2022-23: Chris Ibash, Bethel College
2021-22: Lock Schnelle, Southwestern College
2020-21: Dan O'Connell, Kansas Wesleyan University
2019-20: Katie Pierce, University of Saint Mary
2018-19: Lock Schnelle, Southwestern College
2017-18: Raeann Bromert, University of Saint Mary
2016-17: Jennifer Raybern, Ottawa University
2015-16: Pete Manely, Sterling College
2014-15: Robin Johnson, Friends University
Previous KCAC Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year Winners
2024-25: Ryo Nakazono, McPherson College
2023-24: Jose Chavarria, Bethany College
2022-23: Olyvia Bish, Southwestern College
2021-22: Kim Mikulan, University of Saint Mary
—KCAC—