HACKENSACK, N.J. – FDU Athletics announced the hiring of Sami Woolson as the Knights' new Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Training. Woolson, who brings eight years of experience in collegiate athletics and nearly a decade of professional expertise, will oversee FDU's athletic training staff and primarily work with the men's basketball program.
"We are thrilled to welcome Sami to the FDU family," said Senior Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Brad Hurlbut. "Her diverse background—from working with championship caliber programs to supporting elite performers on the world stage—brings a unique perspective to our athletic training department. Sami's commitment to athlete health and performance will be an incredible asset to our student-athletes and teams."
Woolson most recently served as a Performance Medicine Therapist with Cirque du Soleil – Alegria. While traveling with the Big Top touring show across Europe, she acted as the athletic trainer and developed injury-prevention methods for the performers. She also measured and monitored fatigue levels among flying trapeze artists as part of a trial program.
Before her work in Europe, Woolson built a strong career in athletics throughout the Midwestern United States. From 2021–2024, she served as an Athletic Trainer at Minnesota Duluth, working with volleyball, men's basketball, and baseball. During her tenure, she was part of conference championships with women's volleyball and reached the NCAA Division II Elite Eight with men's basketball. She also oversaw inventory tracking, supervised athletic training students, and taught multiple courses.
Woolson began her collegiate athletic training career at Ripon College in Wisconsin, where she worked from 2016–2021 as an Associate Athletic Trainer. In that role, she worked with volleyball, women's tennis, men's basketball, and baseball. While at Ripon, she authored a mental health emergency action plan and co-authored an NCAA-compliant concussion policy for the department, in addition to overseeing interns and teaching multiple courses.
During her summers in Wisconsin, Woolson served as Head Athletic Trainer for the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders of the Northwoods League from 2017–2021. She provided full-time athletic training services and was part of two Summer Collegiate World Series championship teams.
"I was so impressed with everyone I met during the interview process and the vision they have for the future of FDU Athletics," said Woolson. "I'm looking forward to joining the FDU family and working with the amazing staff."
Woolson assumed her role at FDU last week.
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