HILO--University of Hawaii Hilo athletic trainer Kensei Gibbs now has a new title next to his name—head athletic trainer.

Gibbs has been elevated to the head athletic trainer position after a nationwide search, announced today by UHH athletic director Patrick Guillen. Gibbs has been serving as an assistant athletic trainer for the Vulcans since January of 2012.

"I feel very blessed to have this opportunity," Gibbs said. "This is a special place to me. I feel passionate about the people I get to work with and about our student-athletes here. "

Guillen also hired Jasmine Gittens as an athletic trainer this summer, and will now hire another to replace Gibbs.

"Kensei has proven to be a great asset to the department with his professional ability in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of our student-athletes," Guillen said. "He has earned this opportunity and I look forward to working with him in his new role.  We will begin a search immediately for his replacement."
 
Prior to arriving at Hawaii Hilo, Gibbs worked in private practice in Boise, Idaho and in Honolulu. He has also served as an assistant athletic trainer at Campbell University (North Carolina), at Hawaii Manoa, at Auburn, at Boise State and the University of Washington. He has worked as a certified athletic trainer for more than 20 years.
 
Gibbs received his undergraduate degree at Hawaii Manoa and earned his master's from Boise State.
 
"Hawaii Hilo is a different place than any other place I have worked," he said. "It's a great community. People help each other. It's a place where people serve each other, and I think we try to teach that to our student-athletes as well. It's a spirit that is contagious and drives you to want to serve in an even greater way."
 
Guillen is pleased Gibbs will be leading the department and will continue working with his staff and student-athletes.
 
"He works effectively with our coaching staff, has a strong work ethic and is well networked in the Hilo medical community," Guillen added. "Kensei goes above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis and is passionate in the care and concern for our student-athletes."