Blending Passion and Profession: AT Adam Bennett's Impact at Miami

Adam Bennett, associate Athletic Trainer and head football trainer at the University of Miami, has melded his passion for sports into a thriving career, driven by an enduring fascination with the human body’s mechanics. Reflecting on his path, Bennett shared: 

“I’m not one to sit at a desk all day. I like working with people and thinking critically in an environment where two plus two doesn’t always equal four.”

From his high school days participating in multiple sports to engaging with Athletic Trainers, Bennett was drawn to the complexity and dynamic nature of athletic training.

This intrigue deepened through his collegiate years at Florida State University, where he supported various sports teams, and later through professional experiences with NFL teams and the University of Minnesota.

However, it was his time at MacDill Air Force Base that profoundly shaped his perspective by allowing him to work with injured service members— a role that Bennett found both humbling and educational. Reflecting on his time at MacDill, Bennett noted:

“It filled everything I needed, gave me a chance to reset and grow, taking courses I couldn’t during the busy athletic seasons.”

His experiences at MacDill underscored the distinct challenges of military injuries compared to athletic ones, enhancing his evaluative skills and deepening his medical knowledge.

Now at Miami, Bennett is pivotal in fostering a comprehensive care environment for student-athletes. Vinny Scavo, Miami’s senior associate athletic director for athletic training, highlighted Bennett’s ability to integrate effectively with the entire athletic department: 

“I love the way he approaches the players. He establishes trust with them right away. If a player misses a treatment or is late for something, he really talks to them to explain the importance of needing them to be on time or show up for treatment.”

As Bennett embarks on another season, his focus remains steadfast on enhancing athlete care through a collaborative team approach. His journey reflects a commitment not just to sports medicine but to advancing health and performance holistically, making him a cornerstone of the University of Miami’s athletic department.

“I won’t quantify my success as an athletic trainer on wins and losses. I look at it objectively and want to figure out the best way to help our athletes and be as efficient as we can in the care of the athlete. … Always being willing to put the athlete first is the ultimate goal and the ultimate priority.”