MSU Athletic Trainer Leads Data-Driven Approach to Healing and Prevention

At Michigan State University, Certified Athletic Trainer Alexander Dailey, MEd, AT, ATC, has made it his mission to enhance the health and performance of student-athletes and the campus community.

“My goal is to diminish pain, improve function, and help every individual return stronger—physically and mentally—than before their injury,” Dailey said.

His work extends beyond the training room, encompassing injury prevention, rehabilitation, and education.

With more than a decade of experience, Dailey has turned to data as a cornerstone for better outcomes. He currently has two research projects awaiting Institutional Review Board approval at MSU.

The first focuses on collecting real-time data during rehabilitation to determine which methods most effectively restore range of motion, strength, and performance. The second examines targeted warm-up and cool-down programs in high-risk club sports over three years to measure whether prevention strategies reduce injury rates.

“These studies are part of a larger vision to improve access to care and reduce injuries before they happen,” Dailey explained. “Athletic Trainers are key voices in that effort.”

Beyond research, Dailey co-authored From Broken to Boss, a book that guides readers through recovery, strength building, and resilience. It reflects his belief that knowledge empowers individuals to take control of their health.

His leadership and advocacy have earned him recognition, including the 2025 Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society Outstanding Young Professional Award and his current role as MATS president-elect. As a member of MSU’s Spartan Wellbeing Collective, Dailey continues to advance conversations around physical and mental health support.

Whether presenting a TEDx Talk on musculoskeletal disorders or helping a student regain confidence after injury, Dailey embodies his guiding philosophy:

“Athletic Training is both a science and an art—and every success story begins with care.”

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