For Grace Gwinn, Cabell Midland High School is more than just a place of work, it’s home. A 2013 graduate and former basketball player, Grace now serves her alma mater in a new capacity: as an athletic trainer, working on behalf of Cabell Huntington Hospital to provide care to student-athletes.

“I’ve been at Midland since August 2022,” Grace shared with Stroll Barboursville. “Before that, I was with KDMC in Ashland. Coming back to Midland feels like a full-circle moment.”

Grace’s path to athletic training was forged through personal experience. “I’ve had my fair share of injuries; teeth knocked out, torn ACLs, dislocated fingers, a concussion. In almost every one of those moments, an athletic trainer was first on the scene. That inspired me to be that person for someone else.”

Today, Grace delivers a wide range of care at Cabell Midland, from taping ankles to prevent injuries to evaluating athletes on the field and guiding them through recovery and rehabilitation. “We’re there to prevent, diagnose, and treat,” she explained. “It’s about getting them healthy and strong again so they can get back to what they love.”

The work is deeply rewarding, Grace said, especially seeing student-athletes return to competition. “It’s incredible to be part of their journey, even in a small way. Knowing I’ve helped them chase their goals means everything.”

Grace’s roots in the area run deep. She grew up in Milton and has lived there her entire life. After high school, she earned her Bachelor’s in Athletic Training and a Master’s in Exercise Science from Marshall University. “This area means so much to me,” she said. “My family is here. I live less than a mile from my parents, and they help watch my girls while I’m working. I think seeing their grandparents might be my kids’ favorite part of the day!”

Grace and her husband, Kyle, met while she was completing her undergraduate clinicals at Huntington High School, where he was coaching football. “He asked me out after practice one day. That was ten years ago, and now we have three beautiful daughters, Harper, Willow, and Emory, who was born last summer.”

Returning to Cabell Midland as a professional brings a unique perspective. “Some of the same teachers and staff are still there. Things have gotten fancier, but I still know how to get around,” Grace said with a smile. “It’s easy to connect with these kids when you’ve walked in their shoes. You know how hard they push, what drives them. That’s what makes this job so special to me.”

From athlete to advocate, Grace Gwinn continues to make a difference in the community that raised her, one taped ankle, one rehab session, and one athlete at a time.