Speaker Info

From one t-shirt to a national ministry --- Chris Gillespie calls TEAM 413 a miracle of God's grace.  In 2003 Gillespie founded TEAM 413 inspired by God's calling in his life.  Even though he is the Director of Athletic Training Education at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama ---TEAM 413 is his passion --- a labor of love for runners worldwide. Whether challenging others to walk a lap around a track or run a mile, change an attitude or improve a relationship, Gillespie shares a message of confidence, perseverance, courage, and strength. His goal is to exhibit in his own life and to impart to others the truth of Philippians 4:13 -- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Chris has done much in his career as a certified athletic trainer.  He was the Head Athletic Trainer at Samford University from 1982 - 1999.  Since that time, he has been involved more extensively in the administrative and educational aspect of the athletic training program.  He has spoken at athletic training and sports medicine seminars from coast to coast.  He has also served on numerous athletic training committees at the state, district, and national levels. Chris served as president of the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association and the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association.  He also served as a member of the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association Licensure Task Force and was a member & Vice-Chair of the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers for more than a decade. Currently, Chris serves on the Inter-Associational Task Force on Sickle Cell Trait in Athletics.  

Among his many awards in the athletic training field are the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Service Award, the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association District Award, the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association Educator Award, and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. His highest honors have been induction into the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

Chris Gillespie's story is one of inspiration.  He shares his words of encouragement, God's grace, and overcoming trials to running groups, churches, sports teams, and at marathons across the United States.  He has given presentations on running injuries at marathon expo seminars in cities such as Nashville, Virginia Beach, San Diego, Phoenix, Long Beach, Columbus, and Miami.

A native of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Chris and his wife, Kiki, now live in Calera, Alabama. Chris has two daughters, Morgan (24) and Ashley (22) and two step children, Gerrit (11) and Hanna (9).