Mike Smith returns to the University of West Alabama as an Athletic Trainer and Instructor, where he continues his primary role of providing athletic training services to the UWA Track and Cross Country Teams, while also teaching courses in the CAATE accredited athletic training programs and in health sciences. He holds a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Old Dominion University and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia.

Prior to his current role, Mike gained extensive experience working with elite military forces, including the Department of Defense’s Air Force Pararescuemen (PJs), the Navy Dive School in Panama City, Florida, and the Marine Corps Airbase at Cherry Point, North Carolina. He has also worked at the professional level with the NBA Development League and at the collegiate and high school levels with institutions such as George Washington University, Florida Institute of Technology, and Gloucester High School. Early in his career, Mike contributed to a hospital-based Cardiac Rehabilitation program, providing him with a strong foundation in exercise physiology.

Mike is an active member of the USA Weightlifting Sports Medicine Society and provides coverage at various national and international events. He has completed four USA Olympic sports medicine rotations, working with USA Track and Field, USA Men’s Gymnastics, USA Greco-Roman Wrestling, and USA Women’s Volleyball.

As a certified manual therapist, Mike holds credentials in Active Release Techniques, Functional Movement Screening, Therapeutic Cupping, Integrative Dry Needling, and Selective Functional Movement Assessments.

Originally from Virginia, Mike enjoys spending time with his son and family in Florida. He has a 12-year-old granddaughter who plays soccer as a goalkeeper and has recently started playing volleyball.