University of St. Thomas Athletics
Staff Directory
Klinkner, Gretchen
Gretchen Klinkner
- Title:
- Associate Head Athletic Trainer (Football)
- Email:
- Phone:
- 651-962-5973
Gretchen Klinkner joined the St. Thomas Sports Medicine Staff in July of 2025. She, along with the entire UST Sports Medicine Staff, provides services for Tommie student-athletes via the partnership between the University of St. Thomas and Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO).
Klinkner brings nearly a decade of diverse collegiate and professional athletic training experience to the University of St. Thomas. A Board-Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and a MN State Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT), she has developed a distinguished career defined by leadership in injury prevention, advanced rehabilitation, and mentorship.
Prior to joining St. Thomas, Klinkner was an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Syracuse University from October 2022 to July 2025. While at Syracuse, she oversaw comprehensive care for football student-athletes, developed return-to-play protocols, and served as Interim Head Football Athletic Trainer during the spring of 2025. She also launched a successful Sports Medicine Internship Program, mentoring dozens of undergraduate and graduate students.
Klinkner also previously held Assistant Athletic Trainer roles with the University of Minnesota (softball, 2020-2022), and Fordham University in the Bronx (football, softball and cheer, 2018-2020). Prior to being an Assistant AT, she gained NFL experience as an Athletic Training Intern with the New York Jets in the summer of 2018, after she had completed her Athletic Training Graduate Assistantship at Syracuse University. She holds a Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science from Syracuse University (‘18) and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Athletic Training from the University of Minnesota Duluth (‘16).
With advanced certifications in dry needling, blood flow restriction therapy, advanced emergency care, and sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization, Klinkner is committed to evidence-based care and continuous professional growth. An advocate for mentoring and athletic training education, Klinkner has served as a preceptor for multiple athletic training programs based across the US and Canada.
Her dedication to student-athlete health and passion for leadership make her a vital asset to the University of St. Thomas Sports Medicine Staff.
Klinkner is originally from Delavan, Minn.
Klinkner brings nearly a decade of diverse collegiate and professional athletic training experience to the University of St. Thomas. A Board-Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and a MN State Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT), she has developed a distinguished career defined by leadership in injury prevention, advanced rehabilitation, and mentorship.
Prior to joining St. Thomas, Klinkner was an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Syracuse University from October 2022 to July 2025. While at Syracuse, she oversaw comprehensive care for football student-athletes, developed return-to-play protocols, and served as Interim Head Football Athletic Trainer during the spring of 2025. She also launched a successful Sports Medicine Internship Program, mentoring dozens of undergraduate and graduate students.
Klinkner also previously held Assistant Athletic Trainer roles with the University of Minnesota (softball, 2020-2022), and Fordham University in the Bronx (football, softball and cheer, 2018-2020). Prior to being an Assistant AT, she gained NFL experience as an Athletic Training Intern with the New York Jets in the summer of 2018, after she had completed her Athletic Training Graduate Assistantship at Syracuse University. She holds a Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science from Syracuse University (‘18) and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Athletic Training from the University of Minnesota Duluth (‘16).
With advanced certifications in dry needling, blood flow restriction therapy, advanced emergency care, and sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization, Klinkner is committed to evidence-based care and continuous professional growth. An advocate for mentoring and athletic training education, Klinkner has served as a preceptor for multiple athletic training programs based across the US and Canada.
Her dedication to student-athlete health and passion for leadership make her a vital asset to the University of St. Thomas Sports Medicine Staff.
Klinkner is originally from Delavan, Minn.
Press Conference: Tommie Football Postgame v Lindenwood 08/28/25
Friday, August 29
Tommie Football Intro Video 2025
Thursday, August 28
Beyond The Buzzer: Schoenecker Arena Setup
Wednesday, July 23
Beyond The Buzzer: Sports Medicine
Wednesday, July 23
