Lindsey Honkomp Begins New Chapter
Rae Milstead | February 23, 2023
On Feb. 24, 2023, our head athletic trainer Lindsey Honkomp will be leaving The Warren Wilson College (WWC) to pursue a new job as the assistant athletic trainer of the National Women’s Soccer League in Gothan FC, N.J.
Honkomp received her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from App State, a master’s of science and education in sports psychology from Southern Illinois University, and she enjoys emo pop-punk music and baking in her free time. She has been part of our training program for the past 21 months.
Honkomp stated that she has loved her time here and getting to know each athlete that has come through the program, saying, “I am very excited to start a new job. But Warren Wilson has been really wonderful to me and so I am really sad to leave.”
Honkomp’s job here is to care for and create plans to help athletes recover from injuries and take care of themselves in the scope of injury prevention. Honkomp learned a lot from working here, saying, “I’ve also learned a lot about more holistic medicines. I’ve worked with a lot of athletes who don’t necessarily want to pop ibuprofen when they get injured and working around that has been really eye-opening.”
In talking to athletes at WWC and soccer coach Heather Davis, there has been an overwhelming sense of love, gratitude and excitement for Honkomp’s next chapter.
Kai Emilio Robinson, an alumnus from WWC, said his favorite memory was a Halloween karaoke event where Honkomp “killed it.”
“Lindsey is one of the most amazing humans I have gotten to know at Wilson,” Robinson said. “She is an intelligent, hardworking, hilarious individual with so much love for her athletes, friends and family. Lindsey created a safe place for all athletes.”
Kyra Collins had similar remarks.
“Lindsey cares so deeply and thoroughly for the athletes under her care,” Collins said. “I want her to know how deeply we appreciate her and her dedication to athletics. The women’s soccer team owes so so many thanks to Lindsey. Not only is Lindsey an amazing and attentive trainer but she is also an amazing person. Getting to know her and talking to her throughout her time here has made me a better person and athlete.”
Timmy Carcel reflected on a race Honkomp started where students recovering from ankle and foot-related injuries would try to pick up marbles with their feet as quickly as possible and would record the fastest times on a hall of fame type white board in the training room.
“We appreciate all the work she’s put in for all of us across all the different sports,” Carcel said. “Lindsey is really personable, interested and invested in the athletes. She has a vested interest in seeing us be happy, not just as athletes, but as people.”
Davis, reflected on the past three seasons of having Honkomp as the athletic trainer.
“When athletes come to her office, or to the training room with an issue, there’s eye contact, there’s genuine care, there’s follow-up,” Davis said. “She communicates so well to the coaches. She has absolutely left this place better than she found it. She has really made an impact, a deep impact with a lot of athletes here. And so she will be very missed.”
Honkomp would like the student-athletes of WWC to know that she appreciates everyone and their time with her. She has loved working with the student-athletes and loves this school.
“I am headed to the only job that would have taken me away,” Honkomp said.
The student athletes interviewed will miss Honkomp’s presence but are excited for her next chapter as the new assistant athletic trainer of the National Women's Soccer League in New Jersey.