MARIETTA, Ga. — Life University has named Matt Hunter as its new Director of Athletic Health Care, Director of Athletics Jayme Pendergast announced today.

Hunter brings more than two decades of athletic training and sports medicine leadership, spanning professional baseball, professional soccer, and international athletics. Most recently, he served as Head Athletic Trainer for the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League, where he supervised a multidisciplinary medical staff.

Prior to his tenure with the Thorns, Hunter spent more than 15 years working with and in Major and Minor League Baseball. He served as Medical Coordinator for the New York Mets, supervising up to 14 full-time and seasonal athletic trainers, coordinating player physicals, overseeing compliance with league medical protocols, and spearheading injury prevention initiatives that reduced occurrences by nearly 60 percent. He also held roles as Assistant Medical Coordinator with the Baltimore Orioles and as a Minor League Athletic Trainer with both the Mets and Toronto Blue Jays. His international experience includes head athletic trainer positions in Colombia with the Aguilas de Bogotá and Caimanes de Barranquilla.

Reflecting on the hire, Pendergast said, "I'm so pleased to have Matthew on our team.  In our very first conversation, he talked about high performance, leadership, and continued growth - and I'm not sure he could have said three better words to get my attention.  He has great professional experiences that he will bring to our department, and I know he is excited about helping us continue to grow.  I really strongly believe in how our athletic care team supports our student-athlete development and performance, and I know under Matt's leadership, we will continue to make constant improvements that drive our vision. Matt will be tasked with a lot of important responsibilities, and I look forward to his leadership."

Hunter expressed his enthusiasm to join Life University, stating, "I am very excited to be joining Life University. The university's values of constant growth, integrity, respect, and grit, as well as the department's focus on a comprehensive, integrated approach to student-athlete care immediately drew me in. My conversations with Jayme, the staff, and the coaches showed me the ambition and desire that this group has to create and sustain a high-performing environment, and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."

A licensed athletic trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Hunter holds a Master's in Exercise & Sport Science with a concentration in Athletic Training from the University of Florida and is currently pursuing a Master's in Strength & Conditioning at St. Mary's University.