From Japan to Omaha: Kenjiro Shibuya’s Journey to the Future of Sports Medicine

Kenjiro “Kenny” Shibuya’s path to graduate education began with a setback. As a high school baseball player in Japan, recurring shoulder and elbow injuries forced him to give up his dream of playing professionally. But those same experiences sparked a new goal: helping athletes avoid the struggles he faced. “Before studying athletic training, I earned my physical therapy license in Japan with the goal of working as medical staff for a baseball team,” Kenny said. “After becoming a physical therapist, I realized I wanted to specialize in sports medicine, focusing more on injury prevention and minimizing time lost from play. That is what inspired me to pursue athletic training.”

Choosing UNO, Choosing Opportunity

Kenny knew he needed advanced training to reach his career goal of joining the medical staff of a Major League Baseball team that would one day win the World Series. “Athletic training in the U.S. is highly advanced, with strong educational programs and research opportunities,” he explained. “To achieve my goal, I needed top-level education and clinical experience. That is why I chose to leave Japan and study in the U.S.”

A friend who worked as an athletic trainer first recommended UNO because of its nationally recognized pitching lab. Once Kenny visited campus, observed MAT classes, and met the faculty and students, the decision became clear. “The resources, facilities, and supportive environment, where teachers and students felt like a family, confirmed my decision,” he said.

Facing Challenges, Finding Community

Like many international students, Kenny faced challenges adjusting to life and study in the U.S.—the biggest being language. “Japanese and English have very different grammar, and at times, I struggled to understand information fully,” he said. With the help of classmates, professors, and clinical preceptors, however, he was able to overcome those challenges.

“I will never forget the classmates and teachers who made our program feel like a family,” Kenny reflected. “In class, we focused on learning new skills and supporting each other, and outside of school, we shared memorable experiences together. Through them, I also learned about American culture. I would not have been able to overcome the challenges of the MAT program and adjust to life in the U.S. without their support.”

A Clinical Rotation to Remember

Kenny’s clinical rotations have brought classroom lessons to life. In spring 2025, he covered the Creighton University baseball team, assisting during practices and home games. Though he couldn’t travel with the team, he still felt deeply connected to their success. “When Creighton University won the Big East Conference Championship Tournament and earned a spot in the NCAA regional tournament, my preceptor FaceTimed me from the field so I could celebrate with the athletes right after the final game,” he recalled. “That moment made me feel my clinical rotation was a success and was one of the happiest experiences of my training.”

His preceptor also served as medical coordinator for the College World Series, giving Kenny the chance to gain valuable experience at one of the premier baseball events in the nation.

Research That Could Change the Game

Kenny’s interest in pitching biomechanics is rooted in his own injuries as a young athlete. “As a high school player, I suffered chronic shoulder and elbow injuries from poor throwing mechanics and overuse, which forced me to give up my dream of becoming a professional player,” he said. “Because of that experience, I am passionate about pitching biomechanics and helping athletes avoid what I went through.”

His research focuses on bony adaptations in baseball players—changes to the humeral bone that occur from years of repetitive pitching in childhood. “Many players develop different humeral bone shapes compared to non-baseball players,” Kenny explained. “However, it is still unclear how these adaptations affect stress on the body during pitching. I hope my research will provide a foundation for future studies and contribute to injury prevention strategies.”

Looking Ahead

Kenny will graduate in 2026, prepared for the next step in his career and carrying with him not only advanced training but also a community that has supported him along the way. “At UNO, I found a place where I could grow not only as a student and professional but also as a person,” he said. “The support I received here will stay with me for the rest of my career.” He added, “I was fortunate to gain valuable experience with the Iowa Cubs (the Chicago Cubs’ AAA team) through a summer internship made possible by the UNO MAT alumni network. I am truly grateful to the UNO MAT curriculum, faculty, and alumni for providing opportunities that have helped me move closer to my career goals.”

About the Program

UNO’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program prepares students to become highly skilled healthcare professionals through classroom instruction, cutting-edge research opportunities, and extensive clinical experiences with local, regional, and national organizations. Students learn from faculty who are leaders in sports medicine and gain hands-on training in UNO’s renowned pitching lab and through partnerships with area athletic programs.

Learn more about how you can take the next step in your athletic training career: UNO Master of Athletic Training Program