J. Ariana Daniel earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science from the University of Louisville and obtained her master's degree in athletic training from Eastern Kentucky University in May 2022.

Daniel joined the UK Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine team in August 2023. She is experienced in treating both high school and NCAA Division 1 athletes, and she has training in emergency medical services.

Personal Statement

At an early age, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I was unsure of what capacity. I grew up in a sports family, so I was always around them, specifically football. My cousin was pursuing an opportunity in the NFL when he blew his knee out playing recreational basketball. The impact that his athletic trainer had on his life from a physical and mental standpoint was so inspirational. He was able to have a long successful career, and he dedicates a lot of that to his AT. It was my first encounter with the profession. Later in my high school career, I became the basketball manager. It was in that role that I was able to work directly with the AT. Seeing the day-to-day and the return to play and relationships built in the training facility solidified my career for me. As an athletic trainer, I get the best of all worlds: I am around sports which is a part of who I am, I am a healthcare provider, and I get to impact and build relationships with every athlete and their family that I come across.