2026 Scholarship Recipient Stories
We are proud to recognize and support students who have a strong vision of making an impact in the profession and an interest in exploring outpatient orthopedics. With nearly 300 applications across 32 states, we selected students who exemplify what it means to advance patient care and represent the future of the profession. Scholarships were awarded to 15 recipients in an effort to help them advance their education through Athletico Cares Scholarship funds.
Karleigh R. Baran
Governor’s State University, DPT, Class of 2027
“Thank you for having the faith in me to be a great physical therapist. I have worked at Athletico for more than 2 years as a rehabilitation aide and Athletico keeps finding ways to support me and to invest in my education. I am so grateful that you believe in me, chose to support my academic journey, and take a bit of financial burden off my shoulders. A million times, thank you!”
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Jackie Smith
Northern Arizona University, DPT, Class of 2027
Receiving this scholarship is a generous gift of validation. Although it will help me financially, it is also encouraging for my budding career in physical therapy. I hope to pay it forward in my work as a physical therapist through compassionate acts of self-giving.”
Carleigh Comerford
Marquette University, DPT, Class of 2027
“This scholarship is an honor to receive and I am immensely grateful. This will help ease the financial burden of PT school and allow me to focus on my education, service to the community, and to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.”
Ellie Mollish
St. Louis Community College, PTA, Class of 2028
“I cannot put into words how blessed I am to receive this scholarship! To represent Athletico as an employee and now a scholarship recipient is a huge honor. Due to some credit transfer issues, I thought my dream of being a physical therapist was long gone. After figuring out that being a physical therapist assistant was an option and applying to a program, a glimmer of hope came back. Receiving this scholarship is just further confirmation from the Lord that I am right where I am supposed to be! This scholarship will make it possible for me to live out my dream of helping others get back to the best versions of themselves! Thank you Athletico!”
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Alexis Kiesling
The Ohio State University, DPT, Class of 2027
"Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful as I prepare to enter my final year of physical therapy school. This support helps reduce financial stress and allows me to devote my energy to becoming the best clinician I can be. I am grateful for the generosity of those who make opportunities like this possible, and I am excited to carry that support forward through serving my future patients.”
Cristian Estrada
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, DPT, Class of 2028
“It is a privilege and an honor to be awarded the Athletico Cares Scholarship. I was inspired by the Athletico Cares Foundation’s mission to empower people, inspire hope, transform lives, and improve health and well-being in the communities it serves, as it closely aligns with my goals as a future physical therapist. Thank you for investing in my future and helping me take one step closer to fulfilling this shared goal of serving others.”
Taylor Wentz
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Class of 2027
“Receiving the Athletico Cares Scholarship is both an honor and a tremendous source of support as I complete my DPT education. Athletico is the reason I pursued DPT school, and I am deeply grateful to them for investing in my education and future career. As I enter my final year of DPT school, I am even more motivated to continue working hard in my academic and clinical coursework to become the best physical therapist I can be!”
Ethan Patience
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, DPT, Class of 2027
“This scholarship provides me the opportunity to pursue advanced clinical experiences across the country without the worries of financial stress related to housing. The funds from the scholarship have allowed me to take a clinical experience at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ where I will be able to pursue my passion of treating patients with complex health conditions.”
Josie Buckingham
Grand Valley State University, DPT, Class of 2027
“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me. This has been an incredibly challenging year for personal reasons, and at times I have felt as though I was drowning under the weight of my responsibilities, coursework, and multiple jobs. This scholarship will help alleviate a significant amount of financial stress and allow me to focus more fully on my education and professional development.”
Carly Smith
University of Delaware, DPT, Class of 2027
“I am immensely grateful to be a recipient of the Athletico Cares scholarship displaying significant recognition towards the ambition put forth in my clinical education with the intent of becoming a leader in the field. Moreover, it allows for greater focus in pursuing my goal of being a well-rounded, supportive clinician that strives to make a difference.”
Holly Conklin
University of Cincinnati, DPT, Class of 2027
“I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen for this generous scholarship; it truly means so much to me! This support eases some of the financial pressure of school and allows me to deepen my engagement in my coursework and clinical rotations, so I can continue growing into the clinician my future patients deserve.”
Alyssa Thorson
Augustana University, DPT, Class of 2028
“I am honored to be receiving this scholarship, and I am grateful to the Athletico Cares Foundation for helping me during my journey as a physical therapy student. This scholarship helps me in the process of becoming not only a physical therapist but helps me become a part of a community that is bigger than myself. I have always wanted to pay it forward for how I was helped as a patient and now I can with the help from the Athletico Cares Foundation.”
Shay Lange
Concordia University of Wisconsin, Athletic Training, Class of 2027
“Receiving the Athletico Cares Scholarship is an incredible honor as I enter my final year of graduate school in Athletic Training. This scholarship not only helps support my educational journey, but motivates me to continue pursuing my passion for the profession. I am grateful for Athletico’s investment in my future and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the athletes and patients I will serve.”
Surya Chimmiri
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, DPT, Class of 2026
“Receiving the Athletico Cares Scholarship is a tremendous honor and meaningful support as I continue my training as a future physical therapist. I am grateful for Athletico’s investment in students who are passionate about serving others, and this scholarship helps me continue pursuing my goal of becoming a clinician who makes a lasting impact in sports and orthopedic physical therapy.”
Naomi Knight
Widener University, DPT, Class of 2027
“Receiving the Athletico Cares Scholarship does more than alleviate the financial burden of attending PT school. It increases the amount of time I can devote to my studies, gives me newfound confidence to explore niche and unique clinical opportunities in rural healthcare, and a wholesome reminder that the hard work, sacrifices, and intentional decisions I have made throughout my journey are seen, honored, and valued.”