A&M-Victoria Athletics announces Pennington as new Head Athletic Trainer

Texas A&M University–Victoria Athletics has announced the hiring of Hope Pennington as the program's new Head Athletic Trainer, bringing a strong academic background and well-rounded clinical experience to Jaguar Athletics.

Pennington joins the Jaguars after completing her Master of Science in Athletic Training from Texas State University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology from Ouachita Baptist University, where she was recognized with the Exercise Science Major Award for her academic achievement and dedication to the field. While at OBU, she also played soccer for the Tigers.

"I am incredibly excited to join the Jaguar family and support our student-athletes," Pennington said. "I look forward to working alongside our coaches and staff while contributing to the continued growth and success of Jaguar Athletics. I was drawn to athletic training because it combines my love for sports and healthcare while being able to build meaningful relationships with athletes. Being a former athlete myself allows me to understand the mental and physical challenges that injuries can create, and I enjoy helping athletes navigate their own recovery process."

Pennington gained valuable hands-on experience throughout her academic career, serving as a student athletic trainer at both Ouachita Baptist and Texas State. Most recently, she further expanded her clinical training during a summer internship with Mississippi State University, where she worked alongside sports medicine staff in a high-level collegiate athletics environment.

"From the moment we met Hope, it was clear she genuinely cares about student-athletes," said Interim Director of Athletics Lindsey Ortiz. "This is a tremendous win for Jaguar Athletics. We're so excited to welcome her to A&M-Victoria and can't wait to see the positive impact she'll have on our programs."

In her role at Texas A&M–Victoria, Pennington will oversee the care, prevention, evaluation and rehabilitation of injuries for Jaguar student-athletes while working closely with coaches and athletics staff to support performance and overall wellness.

Pennington's passion for student-athlete care and her commitment to building strong relationships make her a valuable addition to the Texas A&M–Victoria athletics department.