Harrogate, TN -- Lincoln Memorial University Athletics has officially announced the addition of Malia Matteo and
MJ Yost to the sports medicine staff as athletic trainers. Matteo, a familiar face in the Harrogate community, returns to the university where she previously served in multiple capacities, including assistant athletic trainer, associate head athletic trainer, and head athletic trainer. Yost joins the staff with a strong clinical background and collegiate experience, adding valuable depth to the department's student-athlete care.
Head Athletic Trainer Andy Shipley voiced her elation in regards to the familiarity and knowledge that the tandem brings to Lincoln Memorial. "I'm excited to bring Malia and MJ on board to finalize our staff for the upcoming athletics season", she said. "With Malia having previously been at LMU, she will undoubtedly pick up right where she left off, while MJ will be bringing her skills and new perspective from Shorter University. Both have several years of experience and will bring a wealth of knowledge to our program."
Matteo returns to Lincoln Memorial after most recently working as a clinical assistant at Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Nashville, Tennessee. During her prior tenure at Lincoln Memorial, she worked her way up from assistant athletic trainer to head athletic trainer. In her leadership roles, she managed sports medicine budgets, supervised assistant athletic trainers and interns, and served as an adjunct professor. Her primary team coverages at the university included women's basketball, men's and women's golf, wrestling, and lacrosse, and she notably accompanied the women's basketball team during their 2017 NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen run. Matteo holds a master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine and a bachelor's degree in athletic training from Azusa Pacific University. She is licensed in the state of Tennessee and is certified in blood flow restriction training, contemporary cupping, integrative dry needling, and more.
Matteo expressed her excitement about returning to a place that feels like "home". "I am incredibly excited to return to LMU as an athletic trainer and am grateful for the opportunity to come back," she said. "LMU has always felt like home, and I look forward to supporting our student-athletes, reconnecting with colleagues, and contributing to the continued success of the athletic department."
Yost arrives at Lincoln Memorial after serving as an athletic trainer at Shorter University, where she provided care for women's volleyball, men's basketball, and cheerleading. She also gained experience as an assistant athletic trainer with Atrium Health Floyd and worked with Nexus Sports Medicine. Yost completed her master of athletic training degree at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and earned her bachelor of science in exercise science with a specialization in sports medicine from Bowling Green State University, graduating with high academic honors from both institutions. Her extensive clinical rotations include an immersive rotation at Stanford University working with gymnastics, crew, and tennis, as well as experience with Oral Roberts University, Union High School, and the Tulsa Oilers hockey team. She is certified by the Board of Certification, holds HawkGrips Level 1 certification, is certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support, and more.
Yost expressed excitement and determination about joining the Lincoln Memorial sports medicine staff. ""I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to work as an athletic trainer at LMU", she said. "I look forward to starting this new journey and having a positive impact in athletics and the community."
