In recognition of National Athletic Training Month, UIS Athletics is proud to spotlight Associate Head Athletic Trainer Abby Kain and the vital role she plays in supporting Prairie Star student-athletes.
As the athletic trainer volleyball, women's basketball, and cross country/track and field at the University of Illinois Springfield, Kain works at the intersection of competition and care.
"I got into athletics when I was very young," Kain said. "I grew up playing a multitude of sports—soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball."
That early passion eventually turned into purpose. "When I was in high school, I saw what an athletic trainer did on a daily basis and knew that was a career I wanted to do," she said. "I was fascinated by how injuries occur, how to treat and rehab them, and how an athletic trainer is still part of a team culture."
From Player to Professional
Kain's journey began long before she arrived at UIS. As an undergraduate at the University of Northern Colorado, she played Division I basketball for four years, gaining firsthand experience with the demands placed on student-athletes—and the importance of those who keep them healthy.
Her most memorable moment came on one of the sport's biggest stages. "My favorite gameday memory is playing in the NCAA tournament at Baylor University against Michigan," she said.
She also left her mark in the record book. "I hold my college, University of Northern Colorado, school record for most rebounds in a game with 21," Kain said.
That competitive drive carried into graduate school at Minnesota State University–Mankato, where she refined her clinical skills and prepared for a career in collegiate athletics.
Coming to UIS was a natural next step. "I came to UIS for my position as Assistant Athletic Trainer," she said. "Coming out of grad school, I knew I wanted to work in the collegiate setting at a Division I or II school and work with a basketball team."
The transition was strengthened by mentorship within the department. "Chris (Camburn)created an environment to work well with the other athletic trainers and provided mentorship and guidance as a young professional," Kain said.
A Day in the Life
Kain's days blend preparation, treatment, and communication.
"My typical day varies based on practice days and game days," she explained. "For practice days, I come in and hold appointments for rehab and treatment of injured student-athletes, meet with coaches and strength performance staff to provide updates, complete documentation, then handle pre-practice treatments and taping, followed by practice coverage."
Game days bring a different pace. "On game days, I set up for the game, provide pre-game treatments and taping, and handle game coverage," Kain said.
Her impact extends beyond the training room. By working closely with coaches and performance staff, she contributes to a holistic approach to student-athlete wellness, helping athletes return to competition safely and effectively.
Role Models and Reading Lists
Kain's passion for basketball continues to shape her perspective. "If I could have dinner with any athlete, it would be Lindsey Whalen," she said. "She has been a huge icon in Minnesota sports, and I love her style of play."
Off the court, she brings that same focus to reading. "I could read a 300–400 page book in a day," Kain said. "I read over 250 books in 2025."
That discipline reflects the same attention to detail she applies in athletic training.
Building a Culture of Care
Kain's path—from multi-sport athlete to record-setting rebounder to athletic trainer—reflects a consistent commitment to teamwork, preparation, and care.
At UIS, that commitment is evident every day as she supports student-athletes through injury, recovery, and return to play. It's work that often happens behind the scenes but plays a critical role in the success of every program.
"An athletic trainer is still part of a team culture," Kain said.
For Kain, that culture is built on relationships—with student-athletes, coaches, and colleagues—centered on a shared goal of keeping athletes healthy and performing at their best.
As she looks ahead, she remains guided by the same principles that first drew her to the profession: curiosity, care, and a lasting connection to sport. Whether courtside or in the training room, Kain continues to play an essential role in keeping Prairie Stars in the game. In recognition of National Athletic Training Month, UIS Athletics is proud to spotlight Associate Head Athletic Trainer Abby Kain and the vital role she plays in supporting Prairie Star student-athletes.
