Coaches

Dr. Donita Valentine

Dr. Donita Valentine is no stranger to the world of athletics, having led a very active childhood, which created an early appreciation for an active lifestyle. Her love of movement, combined with a fascination with science, eventually led to a desire to study sports medicine.

Dr. Valentine is currently working as a contract Athletic Trainer at KIPP DC Public Charter Schools and as a Functional 45 Fitness Coach in Columbia Heights, D.C. Previously, Dr. Valentine served as a MedStar Health Community Liaison Athletic Trainer and Head Athletic Trainer at the St. James Sports Complex. Dr. Valentine is also an Adjunct Professor of Health and Fitness and Clinical Kinesiology at the College of Southern Maryland. Donita was formerly the women's basketball athletic trainer for the UMBC Retrievers. Before UMBC, Ms. Valentine served as the athletic trainer for Coolidge High School and the surrounding feeder schools, including Whittier, Takoma, Riggs LaSalle, Ida B. Wells, and Brightwood Education Campuses in northwest Washington, D.C.

After obtaining a BS in Exercise Sports Science with a concentration in athletic training from Frostburg State University, Donita returned to Frostburg to receive a MS in Human Performance in 2006. Dr. Valentine completed her Doctor of Athletic Training at A.T. Still University where she researched and implemented movement assessment into the pre-participation physical exam. Ms. Valentine developed an interest in the biopsychosocial aspect of patient care focusing on muscular dysfunction related to trauma and tension. Dr. Valentine's active research centers on implementing a systematic process of movement screening into the pre-participation evaluation process.

Dr. Valentine is passionate about making quality health care available for all active individuals, especially adolescent athletes, delivering quality athletic health care, and preparing students for participation emotionally and physically. Dr. Valentine also consults with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help build educational curricula to prepare students for matriculation into athletic training programs.

Dr. Valentine has recently accepted the role of Vice President-Elect for the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainer's Association where she leads the Annual Meeting Commitee. She is also an At-Large member of the National Athletic Trainer's Association ATs Care Commission. Before her at-large role with the ATs Care Commission. Dr. Valentine championed the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainer's Association in the National Athletic Association's ATs Care Initiative to provide peer-to-peer critical incident support for athletic trainers through the development and implementation of a critical incident and stress management team. Lastly, Dr. Valentine also serves as a committee member on the Board of Certification's Standards Committee.