Cassie McDonald

Cassie McDonald
  • Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory
  • Exercise Physiology PhD (1st year)
  • School of Education and Human Sciences, Department of Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences

Contact Info

Robinson Center 208

Biography —

Using her background and love for combat sports, Cassie wants to use her skills as an athletic trainer as well as the skills she will develop in her time in the JAPL to become the best physical architect for combat sport athletes. Cassie defines a physical architect as someone who builds their athletes from the ground up and continues to improve and renovate them.

Education —

M.S. in Athletic Training, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2024, Kearney NE
B.S. in Exercise Science, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2023, Kearney NE

Research —

Research Interests

  • Physical attributes of champion fighters
  • The effect of dehydration on athletic ability, muscle mass, and more
  • How a strength and conditioning program effects combat sport athletes
  • Developing a return to play protocol for fighters who have been knocked out/suffered a concussion

Awards & Honors —

  • Exercise Science Student of the Year (UNK, 2023)
  • MAATA Research Grant Recipient (UNK, 2023-2024)
  • Summa Cum Laude (UNK, 2023)

Memberships —

  • Board Certified Athletic Trainer
  • Red Cross: CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers