Athletic Training News Roundup: New Faces, Big Honors, and Growing Sports Medicine Teams

Austin Peay Expands Its Sports Medicine Team

Austin Peay State University announced the addition of three Athletic Trainers as it continues to strengthen its sports medicine department ahead of the upcoming academic year.

Eric Jackson joins as an associate Athletic Trainer after serving at William & Mary, where he most recently worked as interim head Athletic Trainer while overseeing men's basketball and golf. Mindy Hamilton arrives with NCAA Division I experience at Charlotte, North Texas, UTEP, and most recently Pfeiffer University, bringing expertise in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return-to-play protocols. Rounding out the new hires is Ranesha Cook, who most recently worked at West Georgia supporting softball and soccer while managing rehabilitation programs, emergency care, and medical documentation.

Together, the trio adds years of collegiate experience as Austin Peay continues investing in student-athlete health and sports medicine services.

UTRGV Adds Veteran Strength Coach and Associate Athletic Trainer

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley announced two key additions to its athletics department, hiring Chris Seroka as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Dakota Loosemore as Associate Athletic Trainer.

Loosemore brings experience from McNeese, Southern University, and LSU, where he worked with football, track & field, cross country, softball, and other sports while overseeing rehabilitation, emergency care, and student-athlete medical services.

"I'm excited to be part of the UTRGV Family and continue to do what I love, which is to help athletes be athletes," Loosemore said.

The hires continue UTRGV's investment in performance, injury prevention, and comprehensive care for its student-athletes.

Timberwolves Medical Team Named NBA's Best

The National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA) named the Minnesota Timberwolves Athletic Training Staff the recipient of the 2025-26 Joe O'Toole-David Craig Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award, recognizing excellence in sports medicine and athlete care.

The peer-nominated honor celebrates outstanding service on and off the court. The Timberwolves' medical team is led by Dr. Sheldon Burns, Gregg Farnam, David Hines, Head Athletic Trainer Erin Sierer, Assistant Athletic Trainers Jesse Geffon and Michael Austin, and Sports Physical Therapist Lisa Pataky.

"We couldn't be prouder of our Athletic Training Staff," said Timberwolves General Manager Matt Lloyd. "The great work that our group does each and every day is a testament to the overall health of our players, and we thank them for setting the standard across the NBA."