FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State Director of Athletics Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk has announced the hiring of Leigha Limbach as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Sports Performance. Limbach will join the Tiger staff beginning June 8, 2026.
No stranger to the MIAA, Limbach spent the last nine years working in athletic training at Emporia State University. Most recently, she was the head athletic trainer for each of the last four years, overseeing coverage for ESU's 15 varsity programs. Her head athletic trainer position followed stints as a graduate assistant and as a part time assistant athletic trainer and part time instructor.
"I'm very excited to become a member of the Tiger family," said Limbach. "The support and energy was palpable from the moment I met with the FHSU administrative and athletic training staff. I've always admired and enjoyed working alongside the athletic trainers at Fort Hays State University, so I'm motivated and inspired to now collaborate and use data-driven measurables to advance student-athlete health, safety, performance and overall success with my FHSU colleagues!"
In her time with the Hornets, she helped establish and maintain partnerships with a holistic healthcare team, including team physicians, physical therapists, counselors, sports dieticians and a hospital network. She was tasked with overseeing all aspects of the athletic training room, including tracking inventory, calibrating equipment, supervising staff, etc.
"We are thrilled to welcome Leigha to the Tiger Family as our Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Sports Performance," said Dr. Goddard McGuirk. "Her deep commitment to collaboration, innovation and service to student-athletes aligns seamlessly with our department's vision and purpose. Leigha brings a passion for creating an elite, holistic student-athlete experience through high-level care, performance support and meaningful relationships. I am confident her leadership will have a tremendous impact on the continued growth and success of our programs, while further strengthening our commitment to excellence in every aspect of the student-athlete experience."
Limbach has served as the primary contact for athletic training at numerous large events, including two NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, four MIAA Championships and two football bowl games. An active member of multiple athletic training associations, Limbach has served on the board of the Kansas Athletic Trainers Society since 2021.
A native of Kearney, Neb., Limbach graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor of Science in athletic training in 2017 before completing a Master of Science in health, physical education and recreation at Emporia State University in 2019.