Kyle Nelson Named New Head Athletic Trainer at Concordia
PORTLAND, Ore. — Kyle Nelson has been named Concordia University's new head athletic trainer, CU athletic director
Matt English announced Tuesday.
Nelson comes to the Cavs with experience in both private and collegiate athletic training, having spent the past three-plus years as the athletic training coordinator at Hope Orthopedics of Oregon in Salem, following six years as the head athletic trainer at the University of Portland.
"We are thrilled to add Kyle to an already strong athletic training team here at Concordia," English said. "Kyle's experience and knowledge will help lead the continued growth of the athletic training program. His skill set will be an asset to our student-athletes, coaches and staff."
At Hope Orthopedics, Nelson delivered high-level physical therapy and rehabilitation to patients with orthopedic injuries and conditions. Nelson focused particularly on post-surgical orthopedic conditions for people going through ACL reconstructions, ankle reconstructions and total joint replacements.
Additionally, Nelson developed and managed the athletic training program for the Salem-Keizer School District while at Hope Orthopedics. In that role, Nelson educated Salem-area physicians in the assessment and management of concussions, and managed 10 athletic trainers across six of the district's high schools.
Meanwhile, at the University of Portland from 2003-09, Nelson managed the medical care of the Pilots' approximate 240 NCAA Division I student-athletes. Nelson primarily traveled with the University of Portland men's soccer and men's basketball teams, but supervised the athletic department's three full-time assistant athletic trainers, and taught within the school of education's health & physical education program.
Nelson also served as the head athletic trainer at Evergreen State College from 2000-03, after graduating from Portland State University with a Master's of Public Health in 1998. In addition, Nelson is one of only 70 certified kinesio taping instructors in the United States, and has delivered 17 courses on the subject since earning certification in 1997.
Nelson will now head the Concordia athletic training program, taking over for previous head athletic trainer
Emily Kosderka, who took a position in the university's exercise and sport science department. He will join assistant athletic trainers
Scott Crawford and
Elizabeth Corbett-Furgal in overseeing care for more than 300 Concordia student-athletes in 15 sports.
"I am extremely happy to join the team at Concordia University," Nelson said. "It will be exciting to be part of the growth and development of the athletic department as it moves into the future. Concordia has established itself over the years as a strong academic and athletic institution and I love being part of that."
Within his new role at Concordia, Nelson promises to give individual-driven care to the university's student-athletes.
"As an athletic trainer, I believe that I am there to provide high-quality medical care for the student-athletes," Nelson said. "Any Concordia athlete who comes to me deserves the very best that I have. I am there to help keep them safe and healthy while also working within the athletic department's goals and mission."
Nelson joins the Concordia family along with his wife Shannon, his son Zachary and daughter Logan.