Feature Stories
Jeff Hendra, '95 & '98
If you asked the teenaged Jeff Hendra, ’95 &’98 where he would be
when he grew up, he would have said the NHL. While his dreams faded of
making hockey a full-time job, his true passion wasn’t too far off.
Today, Hendra works side-by-side with professional athletes. But
instead of lacing up ice-skates every day, he’s adjusting spines for
professional golfers like Tiger Woods as a traveling Physical
Therapist for the PGA tour.
The Marquette native began his college career at Northern
Michigan University but transferred to Grand Valley State University
in 1992 to complete his Physical Therapy courses. Although the
material didn’t come naturally, that only made him study harder. So
much in fact that, after completing his undergraduate studies, he
returned to Grand Valley to earn his Master of Science in physical
therapy in 1998.
“Grand Valley gave me a solid foundation for my physical therapy
skills to put me out in the real world and my experience became a
springboard for things I’d never imagined,” he said. “Grand Valley has
maintained its prestige as the best physical therapy school in the state.”
After graduating, Hendra got his feet wet working for a private
practice. From there his career took off and just a year later he was
overseeing three clinics as clinic director of Physiotherapy
Associates. Despite his success, Hendra knew his knowledge had to stay
current. While working for Physiotherapy Associates, he was also
continuing his education at the University of St. Augustine for Health
Sciences where he received his manual therapy certification. All the
hard work and studying paid off when he was asked to join the PGA as
the tour’s physical therapist.
Today, Hendra travels 30 weeks out of the year to countries like
Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. He and two other therapists work
with the athletes to keep them in top condition. During his 14-hour
days, he does spinal adjustments and deep tissue releases for PGA
athletes such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Jim Furyk. His
office is a 750 square foot travel trailer.
In addition to the work he does for the athletes on tour, Hendra
also does between six and ten media interviews a year. He has shared
his knowledge of physical fitness and health science in several
magazine articles, radio spots, and television appearances.
For the remaining 12 weeks of the year, Hendra keeps himself in
top condition by running, biking, and weightlifting. Inspired by his
father’s work ethic, he encourages students to remain positive no
matter what. “Think good thoughts and good things will come to you.”
Posted: Fall 2012
Share this spotlight
Return to the listing of feature stories.