Biography and education
Dr. Koldenhoven Rolfe is an assistant professor in Athletic Training in the Department of Health and Human Performance. She received a Bachelor's of Science in Athletic Training from Illinois State University (2014), a Master's of Education in Athletic Training from the University of Virginia (2015), and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education - Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia (2019). Prior to arriving at Texas State University, she worked as a clinical research coordinator in pediatric orthopaedics while conducting work for her doctoral degree. Dr. Koldenhoven Rolfe’s research interests focus on adaptations in gait and functional movements in individuals with chronic ankle instability and providing treatment through impairment-based rehabilitation strategies. She also studies gait biomechanics in a variety of populations using traditional laboratory equipment as well as wearable sensors.
Featured grants
- Koldenhoven, Rachel Mary (Principal), Lally, Erin Marie (Co-Principal). Clinically Accessible Gait Training Strategies for Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability, Texas State University, $16000. (Submitted: October 6, 2023, Funded: January 2024 - May 2025). Grant.
- Koldenhoven, Rachel Mary (Principal), Jimenez, Jesus (Co-Principal). Biomechanics of Lifting, Pushing, and Pulling Tasks in Inexperienced and Experienced Industry Workers, Texas State University, $16000. (Submitted: October 8, 2019, Funded: January 2020 - May 2021). Grant.
- Valles Molina, Damian (Principal), Aslan, Semih (Supporting), Menezes De Carvalho, Marcelo (Supporting), Resendiz, Maria D (Supporting), Rolfe, Rachel Mary (Supporting), Farrell, John Wayland (Supporting), de la Cruz, Berenice (Supporting), Liu, Ting (Supporting). REU Site: Undergraduate Research Experience in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Mixed Reality for Smart and Connected Health, National Science Fundation, Federal, $371758. (Submitted: August 2024, Funded: April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2028). Grant.
- Farrell III, John W (Principal), Thomas, Krista Allie (Co-Principal), Jimenez, Jesus (Supporting), Koldenhoven, Rachel M (Supporting). The integration of physiological and biomechanical measures to enhance engagement with adaptive sports and recreation for manual wheelchair users, Materials Application Research Center, Texas State University, $89892. (Funded: November 2022 - Present). Grant.
- Valles Molina, Damian, Liu, Ting (Co-Principal), Resendiz, Maria D (Supporting), Aslan, Semih (Supporting), Farrell, John Wayland (Supporting), Li, Yumeng (Supporting), Koldenhoven, Rachel M. (Supporting). REU Site: Undergraduate Research Experiences in Machine Learning, Analytics, and Augmented Reality for Smart and Connected Health, National Science Foundation, Federal, $344029. (Submitted: August 2021, Funded: January 2022 - December 2024). Grant.

Featured scholarly/creative works
- Ortega, C., Simpson, J. D., Donovan, L., Torp, D. M., Forsyth, L., & Koldenhoven, R. M. (2025). Gait Training Interventions for Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis. Journal of Athletic Training, 60(5), 332–351. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0499.23
- Miller, K. C., Koldenhoven, R. M., & Lally, E. M. (2025). Validity of common body temperature sites and gait parameters during a heat tolerance test. Temperature. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2025.2493456
- Sharotry, A., Jimenez, J. A., Mendez, F. A., Wierschem, D. C., Koldenhoven, R. M., & Valles Molina, D. (2022). Manufacturing operator ergonomics: A conceptual digital twin approach to detect biomechanical fatigue. IEEE Access, (10), 12774–12791. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3145984
- Sharotry, A., Jimenez, J., Wierschem, D. C., Mendez, F. A., Koutitas, G., Valles Molina, D., … Rolfe, R. M. (2021). A Digital Twin Framework for Real-Time Analysis and Feedback of Repetitive Work in the Manual Material Handling Industry (pp. 2637–2648). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/WSC48552.2020.9384043
- Koldenhoven, R. M., Martin, K., Jaffri, A. H., Saliba, S., & Hertel, J. (2021). Walking Gait Mechanics and Gaze Fixation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 30(2), 286–292. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2019-0288
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Distinction Award for Excellence in Service, Presidential Awards Program at Texas State University. 2025
- Award / Honor Recipient: Free Communications Award for Early-Career, National Athletic Trainers' Association. February 18, 2020
- Award / Honor Recipient: Top Cited Article 2021-2022, Wiley. February 21, 2023
- Award / Honor Recipient: College Achievement Award, Presidential Awards Program at Texas State University. February 13, 2023
- Award / Honor Nominee: David H. Perrin Doctoral Dissertation Award, National Athletic Trainers' Association Foundation. October 2021 - December 2021

Featured service activities
- Chair
Faculty Evaluation Committee
- Member
College of Education Research Office Advisory Committee
- Organizer
Master of Science in Athletic Training Hooding Ceremony
- Graduate Advisor
Iota Tau Alpha Athletic Training Honors Society
- Other
Athletic Training Student Injury Clinic
- Reviewer / Referee
Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine