Itsuko Yamaguchi | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

Itsuko Yamaguchi, 2012 BS graduate in Athletic Training and 2014 masters in Kinesiology

The Athletic Training program at Penn State is the foundation of everything I’ve been through, and still is today.

Itsuko just finished a four-year stint as the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Japan Women's Rugby Sevens National Team. Prior to that she was the Assistant Athletic Trainer for Bethune-Cookman University’s Track and Field and Women’s Basketball Teams. Currently, she is at the Japan Sport Council, the national sport governing organization in Japan.

Itsuko calls the Penn State Kinesiology/Athletic Training (AT) community her “US family.” As an international student, this “family” embraced, guided, and pushed her to be better and stronger in everything she did. Whether it was the late-night study sessions in the library for upcoming tests or board exam, the lab work in Rec Hall 15, or all the Athletic Training hours on and off campus with the athletic programs and trainers, looking back everything was very worthwhile and invaluable. She is grateful to all the professors and classmates she met during her time as a student.

The Kinesiology/Athletic Training program definitely did a great job of building a strong base for becoming a professional in the field and making strong connections with people in the field everywhere. These connections have enabled her to secure training and employment as she grows her experience.

Itsuko has many fond memories of her time here at Penn State. She is confident all of her AT classmates will agree; Dr. Buckley and his numerous stories he shared in class were just one of the many highlights! The athletic training courses were always tough, but consistently full of laughter. She still cherishes all the memories and friends she made along the way!

The Kinesiology department is thrilled to announce they will be offering an Athletic Training Masters Program Summer 2023. Email ATHTR_MAT@psu.edu for more information.