Jessillyn “Jessi” Howard, MS, LAT, ATC serves as the Head Athletic Trainer for LeMoyne-Owen College Athletics. A native of Excelsior Springs, MO, Howard has dedicated her career to helping student athletes grow physically, mentally and personally throughout their collegiate experience.
Howard earned her Bachelor of Athletic Training degree with a minor in Mathematics from Delta State University before receiving her Master of Applied Exercise Science degree from Mississippi College. She became a certified athletic trainer in December 2013 and quickly began building a strong reputation in the field of sports medicine.
Her professional journey started at Hinds Community College, where she worked as an Assistant Athletic Trainer from 2014 through 2016. After returning to Memphis, Howard spent several years working with OrthoMemphis, Memphis Orthopedic Group, and Ortho-South. During that time, she provided athletic training coverage for White Station High School, St. George’s Independent School, LeMoyne-Owen College, and adult soccer leagues throughout the city. In the fall of 2022, she officially joined LeMoyne-Owen College full time as the institution’s Head Athletic Trainer.
Howard believes leadership begins with respect and consistency. She values leading by example while creating an environment where student athletes feel supported and educated. Her approach goes beyond treatment and rehabilitation. She emphasizes teaching athletes how to properly care for their bodies so they can continue living healthy and active lives long after competition ends.
One of Howard’s greatest passions is watching student athletes mature during their college careers. She enjoys seeing freshmen develop into confident leaders, dedicated scholars and well rounded young adults. She understands that injuries can become some of the most difficult moments in an athlete’s life, but she also believes those moments can create growth and self discovery.
Outside of athletics, Howard enjoys creative projects and staying active within the Memphis community. Her hobbies include crocheting, sewing, embroidery, woodworking and digital art. She is also a proud member of MDOD, the Memphis Den of Dancers, where she enjoys both the community and fitness aspects of line dancing.
Howard credits much of her success to her mother, who first taught her how to tape an ankle during high school and has remained a constant source of encouragement throughout her life and career. She also carries a deep appreciation for mathematics and problem solving, skills that continue to shape her approach to athletic training and everyday life.
Guided by Vince Lombardi’s quote, “Perfection is not obtainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence,” Howard hopes to leave a lasting impact on every athlete she encounters. Through her care, positivity and dedication, she continues to serve as an important mentor and advocate for the student athletes of the Magicians community.
