GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Aquinas College Athletic Department is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Mackenzie Yob, PT, DPT, CSCS, as the new Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Performance and Medicine. A licensed physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist, Mackenzie brings a wealth of experience in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and athletic performance to the Saints' athletic department.
Mackenzie joins Aquinas after completing a prestigious Sports Physical Therapy Residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where she served as a physical therapist for the Panthers' men's and women's basketball programs. Her diverse experience also includes work with Keystone Oaks High School, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and the Mighty Strong Adaptive Sled Hockey Program. Additionally, she has contributed to academia as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mackenzie Yob to Aquinas College," said Dr. Ronald D. Reeves, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "Her passion for optimizing student-athlete performance, combined with her clinical expertise and natural leadership, make her a tremendous asset to our department. Mackenzie is a star in the making—deeply connected to Aquinas and poised to make a long-term impact on the success and well being of our student-athletes."
At the core of a successful athletic department lies an integrated approach to athlete care—where athletic training, rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning are not isolated silos, but interconnected disciplines working together to support holistic student-athlete development. This 360-degree model fosters injury prevention, accelerates recovery, and maximizes performance through individualized and collaborative care.
In this model, athletic trainers can identify risk factors before they become injuries, rehab professionals guide athletes through safe, structured recoveries, and strength coaches adapt programming to ensure durability and resilience. With continuous communication across these teams, Aquinas student-athletes can expect fewer setbacks, faster return-to-play timelines, and peak performance at critical moments in the season.
Aquinas College has long taken pride in its strong athletic tradition and its renowned athletic training department. Matt McWilliams, Head Athletic Trainer, is confident that Mackenzie will elevate the Saints' approach even further.
"We're thrilled to welcome Mackenzie to Aquinas and the Sport Performance and Medicine team," said McWilliams. "Her background, energy, and innovative mindset will raise the bar for the care and performance support we provide. Mackenzie's approach will strengthen our department and enhance the overall student-athlete experience at AQ. We're incredibly excited for what's ahead with her on board."
A Michigan native, Mackenzie earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University's College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Albion College. While at Albion, she received both the Charlotte Duff Endowed Kinesiology Award and the Charlotte Duff Endowed Prize for Junior Woman in Exercise Science—recognizing her academic excellence and leadership potential.
Now residing in Grand Rapids, Mackenzie is enthusiastic about returning to her home state and contributing to the future of Saints athletics.
"I chose to come to Aquinas because I immediately connected with the athletic department's mission and sense of community," Yob said. "This role felt like a perfect fit—professionally and personally. I'm passionate about helping student-athletes reach peak performance while also prioritizing their recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term health. It's exciting to be in a place where I can truly make a difference, work with incredible people, and continue growing in my career."
Outside of her professional work, Mackenzie enjoys golfing, traveling, reading, working out, and spending time with her parents and two sisters.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Mackenzie Yob to the AQ Athletics family. You'll likely see her in the training room (her office is located there!) or in the fitness center—already making her presence felt with the energy and enthusiasm that's quickly becoming her trademark.
