By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Rebecca Rodriguez, MS, ATC, CSCS has rejoined Willamette University as an assistant athletic trainer after working in Hawaii for the past three years. Rodriguez previously served as an assistant athletic trainer at Willamette in 2016-17 and 2017-18. She will assist with all aspects of the Willamette Sports Medicine program. In addition to being an athletic trainer, Rodriguez is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. She previously worked at Willamette from August of 2016 through May of 2018.

"I am delighted to have Rebecca rejoin our Sports Medicine team," said Ken Smith, Assistant Athletics Director, Sports Medicine. "Her skill-set, passion, and professionalism have been missed. While away, she gained invaluable experience that will benefit our student-athletes. Especially beneficial is her time working with the United States Marine Corps in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she designed and then implemented their sports medicine program for two years."

After leaving Willamette, Rodriguez accepted a position working for the United States Marine Corps on the island of Oahu. She helped develop and implement a flagship sports medicine program that focused on injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, and health education to Marines and Navy sailors. She also has previous experience as an athletic trainer in the high school, physical therapy clinic, and club sport settings.

Rodriguez attended George Fox University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health and a BSAT in Athletic Training in 2012. She added a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology from A.T. Still University in 2016. She is currently working toward a Doctorate in Athletic Training from A.T. Still University and plans to graduate in June of 2022.

The athletic training program that Rodriguez started in Hawaii was something unique within the Marine Corps.

"The Marines have had athletic trainers at the recruit depots and occupational schools for the past 10 years, but this was the first sports medicine program to be embedded at the fleet-level of the corps," Rodriquez said. She created a  program that was successful in benefiting many members of the Marine Corps and Navy.

Now, Rodriguez is returning to familiar surroundings at Willamette. She brings with her many positive memories from her first stint with the Bearcats.

"I enjoyed the relationships I was able to build with the student-athletes," Rodriguez said. "Although dealing with an athletic injury can be a frustrating experience, I felt honored to work with students to help them recover and return to their sports."

The 2020-21 academic year was unusual for all of WU's student-athletes due to COVID-19 protocols, wildfires, and a winter ice storm. Rodriguez hopes to help ease the transition at the start of 2021-22.

"I am looking forward to rejoining the WU Sports Medicine staff and hopefully help the student-athletes return to some normalcy in their sports seasons after a difficult past year," Rodriguez commented.

What does Rodriguez see as her top strengths as she contributes to the Willamette Sports Medicine program?

"I am able to empathize and build good relationships with my patients," Rodriguez said. "I enjoy learning about their specific goals and helping develop a plan to accomplish them. Although I treat all athletic injuries, I have a particular interest and passion for working with athletes with shoulder injuries."