Exercise physiology alum helps empower the future of sports 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2025) — Emily Guimond’s experiences at the University of Kentucky College of Education Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion set her on a path she never could have imagined just a few years ago. She is part of a groundbreaking movement in sports as head of strength and conditioning for Athletes Unlimited — a professional women’s sports league founded in 2020. It comprises softball, volleyball and basketball leagues.  

Guimond’s journey from university weight rooms to professional arenas is proof that taking chances, networking, and putting in the effort can lead to extraordinary opportunities. For the athletes she now serves, her work is not only building strength and resilience but also helping build the future of sports. 

“Athletes Unlimited’s unique model of play sets it apart,” Guimond said. “Players earn individual points based on both team wins and personal performance, and team rosters undergo weekly changes. Notably, top players serve as captains and have the autonomy to draft their own teams.” 

In her role with Athletes Unlimited, Guimond ensures athletes are prepared to compete at the highest level. That expertise was built on a foundation of experience and opportunity she gained at UK. 

It was a volunteer strength and conditioning internship that brought Guimond to Kentucky in the summer of 2019. She had been involved in a similar internship as an undergraduate at Virginia Tech. 

“After that summer, I became a graduate assistant for the UK Athletics strength and conditioning program for Olympic sports. This provided me with a fantastic opportunity to assist as a full-time strength and conditioning coach while also pursuing my master’s degree at a highly regarded school with a strong athletics and academics program,” Guimond said. 

Guimond balanced graduate classes in the Exercise Physiology program with a full slate of responsibilities as a UK strength and conditioning coach. The long days and challenging workload proved transformative. 

“It was one of the busiest and most challenging times of my career and life, but I learned a lot through coaching every day and attending classes that provided me with more background and context for our work in the weight room and on the field,” she said. 

Her role at UK included assisting with the softball team, where she worked with players Erin Coffel and Kayla Kowalik. Today, both are excelling in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) — Kowalik finished first in the league’s All-Star Cup and Coffel placed fourth. For Guimond, it is a full-circle moment, blending her time at Kentucky with her current work with the professional league. 

Guimond credits faculty and instructors in the UK College of Education Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion such as Mark Abel, Ph.D., Haley Bergstrom, Ph.D. and Chris Morris, Ph.D., who also works at UK Athletics’ Director of Performance Science, with bridging the gap between research and application, giving her tools that still shape her work today.  

“Emily’s drive and willingness to push herself stood out right away,” Abel said. “Seeing students turn their passion for learning into a career where they are making an impact is incredibly rewarding for all of us.” 

Guimond is also grateful for the opportunities she received through UK Athletics staff like John Spurlock, director of strength and conditioning, who trusted her to lead teams and grow as a coach. 

“I had the opportunity to meet many people and learn the power of networking. I realized that building relationships with everyone you encounter can lead to unexpected opportunities in the future,” Guimond said. “I was also placed in various challenging positions that pushed me outside my comfort zone, forcing me to grow and mature. Without this foundational experience, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” 

Guimond’s best advice for anyone interested in working in strength and conditioning is to first complete an internship with a college program or private facility. 

“It is important to get in-person experience and see what the day-to-day entails. While you are interning make the most out of it.  Don’t just go through the motions. Ask questions about everything, help assist in any way you can, put yourself in uncomfortable situations and be a sponge,” she said. 

Guimond began her role with Athletes Unlimited this past spring, after spending three years as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Arkansas. With Athletes Unlimited, it is Guimond’s responsibility to make sure athletes come into the season physically prepared and maintain characteristics of strength, power and speed throughout the season. She comprehensively addresses all aspects of sports performance for the athletes, including nutrition, hydration, sleep and recovery.  

“During our offseason I make sure each athlete has a programmed strength and conditioning plan in place and that looks different for everyone based on their needs and situation,” she said. “Some of our athletes are Olympians, play for other professional organizations or have regular nine-to-five jobs outside of our league.” 

Guimond believes it’s essential for strength coaches in athletics to possess flexibility and exceptional problem solving skills. Programming can easily get altered by factors such as travel, weather, game schedules and athlete readiness. She is also a strong believer in collaboration. 

“Collaboration with your staff helps bring in different ideas and perspectives to achieve more than you could on your own,” she said. “Put your ego aside and treat everyone on the same level. Collaboration with your athletes helps establish a relationship and gives them input into their training. They are professional athletes who know themselves the best and have seen multiple styles of training and programming.” 

She considers it a privilege to be behind the scenes, helping guide the preparation that leads to big moments on the playing field. 

“I get to help empower individuals to become the best version of themselves,” she said. “Witnessing their growth and the increased exposure of Athletes Unlimited has been particularly inspiring and exciting.”