Dr. Kristen Kells receives her Woman of the Year Award from USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender and USA Wrestling President James Ravannack. Photo by Mindy Gardner/University of Iowa

Dr. Kristen Kells of Colorado Springs, Colo., a chiropractor who works closely with USA Wrestling athletes and programs, has been named Woman of the Year by USA Wrestling, the national governing body for wrestling in the United States. This award recognizes an outstanding woman for her contributions to the sport of wrestling.

The award was announced and presented at the annual USA Wrestling Awards Banquet, held in Iowa City, Iowa alongside the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on April 20.

Kells is a chiropractor with Freedom Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, which is affiliated with Maximized Living, the Wellness Advisory Council for USA Wrestling. She has been a chiropractor for more than 12 years. 

Dr. Kells has taken a special interest in helping Women’s Team USA. She has worked as team chiropractor at the last three Senior World Championships in Denmark (’09), Russia (’10) and Turkey (’11). She has a close working relationship with the athletes and coaches on the team, and has been a key contributor to the success of the program since she has been involved.

She has also helped organized chiropractic care for U.S. teams from other professionals when she is not there. She donates care in her office to all national team athletes. She has worked extensively with the staff of USA Wrestling and their families. 

Dr. Kells volunteers at local wrestling tournaments and works with clubs and coaches to enhance the performance of the athletes through nutrition, rehabilitation, and keeping the mind of a champion. 

She has won numerous awards, including 2010 Sports Chiropractor of the Year in Colorado.

“I was very surprised about the award. I am honored and humbled,” said Kells. “My passion is helping athletes, especially wrestlers, perform at their highest level. When they are able to perform at their best, that is what I love. I want to know that I can help people.”

“The National and World Teams have become my family. I love wrestling athletes at all levels. I am seeing them perform better. But I also want their lives to thrive when they are done wrestling. I want them to avoid injuries and to the right things with their bodies now and in their future,” she said.

PAST USA WRESTLING WOMAN OF THE YEAR WINNERS
2011 – Dr. Kristen Kells
2010 – Patricia Fox
2009 – Ginger Lile
2008 - Sue Hesser
2007 - Dr. Lin Miller
2006 - Sharon Dowden
2005 - Kim Martori-Wickey
2004 - Patricia Miranda
2003 - Kristie Marano
2002 - Pat Short
2001 - Paula McGahee
2000 - Sandy Stevens
1999 - Sue Siar
1998 - Nancy Schultz
1997 - Tricia Saunders