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UMASS-Lowell ADD THREE ATHLETIC TRAINERS TO STAFF

The UMass Lowell Athletic Healthcare Department has added three certified athletic trainers for the 2015-2016 school year.

Joining the staff are Christian Alhlstom (MAT, ATC), Jen Verbiar (MS, ATC) and Matthew Schafer (ATC). Alhstrom will work with men’s soccer and baseball, Verbiar with women’s soccer and softball, and Schafer will be with volleyball and women’s lacrosse.

Before UMass Lowell, Schafer spent time as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Indiana State University, working with the women’s volleyball program. He also performed as an athletic training student for the University of Minnesota women’s volleyball team.

“I am honored to be joining the athletic healthcare staff at UMass Lowell,” said Schafer. I look forward to working with the River Hawk student-athletes, helping them with their injuries and keeping them competing at their best.”

The New Brighton, Minn. native graduated from Bethel University in 2014 with a bachelor of arts degree in athletic training and a minor in history.

“Matt has a wealth of experience working with woman’s athletic injuries, specifically with volleyball at the Division I level, spending last year as a graduate assistant at Indiana State,” said Assistant Athletic Trainer Keri Ann Maresca. “He will fit right in and be a great asset to our staff and his athletes.”

Verbiar was most recently a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. She was one of three athletic trainers that provided medical coverage and care for over 300 Division II student-athletes. The University of Pittsburgh graduate was an athletic training student for the Panthers’ softball, wrestling and football teams during her time. She also performed as an athletic training student for the Carnegie Mellon University men’s and women’s soccer teams.

“This upcoming year at UMass Lowell will be an incredible opportunity to strengthen my skills and knowledge as an athletic trainer,” remarked Verbiar. “I am already gaining valuable experience with the student-athletes while working with a high-caliber athletic healthcare staff. My passion for and background with college athletics have me excited for the competitive environment surrounding River Hawk athletics.”

Verbiar earned her bachelor’s of science degree in athletic training from Pitt in 2014, and her masters of science degree in advanced clinical practice in athletic training from East Stroudsburg University in 2015.

“We are so glad to have someone with the Jen’s vast experience and education join our staff this year,” said Maresca. “She comes to us after completing her masters of science, advanced clinical practice in athletic training. Her skill set as an athletic trainer, and previous work as an EMT will make a huge difference this year with the softball and women’s soccer teams.”

Ahlstrom joins UMass Lowell from the staff at Washington University in St. Louis, where he spent August 2014-May 2015. He has also worked as an athletic trainer for the Royal Spanish Track and Field Federation in Madrid. The Wilmette, Illinois native also performed as an athletic training student at Saint Louis University.

“I am looking forward to this upcoming year at UMass Lowell,” said Ahlstrom. “I am extremely excited to work with the men’s soccer and baseball teams. I hope to provide the best possible care to all the athletes and foster a caring environment.”

The Saint Louis graduate earned his bachelor of science degree in exercise science in 2014, and his master’s of athletic training degree in May 2015.

“Christian has a diverse background in three languages and is well traveled,” explained Maresca. “He worked internationally with Spain’s Olympic track and field team last year after completing his master’s degree in athletic training. His skill set will be advantageous to the men’s soccer and baseball teams.”

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.goriverhawks.com/news/2015/9/17/general_0917150850.aspx