Meet the Staff: Kate Fullerton, Head Athletic Trainer

For the last 10 years, Kate Fullerton has been the person student-athletes rely on before, during, and after competition. As Penn State Schuylkill's Head Athletic Trainer, she works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep athletes healthy, help them recover from injuries, and ensure they can safely compete at their highest level.

Fullerton made history as the first athletic trainer hired at Penn State Schuylkill, giving her the unique opportunity to build the campus's sports medicine program from the ground up.

"I was hired as the first athletic trainer at the Schuylkill campus and had the opportunity to build the program here," Fullerton said. "I wanted to be able to influence positive change for the athletic department and the profession of athletic training and sports medicine."

That passion for helping others has guided her throughout her career.

Fullerton earned a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Bridgewater State University after completing both a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Guilford College. Her educational background, combined with years of experience, allows her to care for the whole student-athlete—both physically and mentally.

Her own athletic journey began long before entering the athletic training profession. Growing up, Fullerton played nearly every sport she could.

From soccer, basketball, hockey, gymnastics, taekwondo, tennis, golf, track and field, bowling, skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing, and surfing, she developed a lifelong appreciation for athletics before ultimately focusing on softball through high school and college.

Today, no two days are the same.

Whether she's evaluating injuries, developing rehabilitation plans, providing emergency medical care, coordinating with physicians, monitoring environmental conditions, educating athletes on injury prevention, or preparing athletes to safely return to competition, Fullerton's responsibilities touch every athletic program on campus.

Her mission is simple: keep student-athletes healthy so they can continue doing what they love.

"My goal is to keep athletes healthy and on the field, court, or course," she said. "Letting me know what's going on gives me the best chance of helping athletes stay in the most competitive shape they can be."

As someone who works closely with every team, Fullerton encourages athletes to make the most of their college experience.

"Enjoy your time with your teams and learn from your teammates and coaches while you can," she said. "Although some days or weeks may drag, I promise that the years will fly by and they will be some of the best years of your life. Don't take them for granted, and make the most of each day, practice, and game."

Beyond athletics, Fullerton has also dedicated herself to serving her country. She spent eight years in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer, earned the rank of Captain, and completed deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Poznań, Poland. She is currently based out of Honolulu, Hawaii.

When she's not caring for student-athletes, her interests couldn't be more different—she enjoys watching professional football and never misses a good Christmas Hallmark movie.

Reflecting on her decade at Penn State Schuylkill, Fullerton is most grateful for the people around her.

"Thank you to my coworkers," she said. "I moved here to be closer to family, and you all have become my second family. It is because of the incredible athletes, the passionate coaches, and amazing staff at Schuylkill that make me excited to come to work every day."

For 10 years, Kate Fullerton has been much more than an athletic trainer. She has been a mentor, advocate, educator, and trusted resource for countless Nittany Lion student-athletes, helping them overcome setbacks and perform at their very best.