Garris is a sports rehabilitation professional and athletic trainer who serves as the Director of Rehabilitation Services. In this role, she brings a multidisciplinary background in athletic training and physical therapy to support the health, rehabilitation, and performance of SMU student-athletes.
A native of Gainesville, Florida, Garris began her career in athletic training and competed as a Division I soccer player at Campbell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2020.
Garris went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from The Ohio State University in 2023. During her time at Ohio State, she gained experience across multiple clinical settings, including collegiate athletics, outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. She also served as a teaching assistant and participated in the student-run pro bono clinic.
Following graduate school, Garris worked as a physical therapist at Spear Physical Therapy in New York City, where she treated athletes and other active populations.
In June 2025, Garris joined the University of Miami as a Sports Physical Therapy Resident, primarily working with Olympic sports.
