RIVER FOREST, ILL. — Concordia University Chicago (CUC) Athletics has officially named a leader for the athletic training staff. Samantha Galicia has been hired as the Head Athletic Trainer for Cougar Athletics. Galicia comes from a very versatile background as a medical professional and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the athletic training staff.
"We are thrilled Samantha is joining our Athletic Staff and will be overseeing our Sports Medicine program," Director of Athletics Janet Wolbert had to say. "Samantha has a passion for working with collegiate student-athletes and advocating for their health and well-being. Her collaborative style will ensure effective lines of communication across the department, including our off campus medical team, to provide the best care possible for our student-athletes. I am eager to work with Samantha as she advances our Sports Medicine program here at CUC."
Galicia comes from Rush Physical Therapy where she worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer. While working for Rush, she was the Head Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Dogs Baseball Team, a AA baseball organization out of Rosemont, Illinois. She also worked as an assistant for a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference partner, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Her primary responsibilities included maintaining all documentation with injury evaluations and recovery protocol. She also is licensed to work with soft tissue work, cupping, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
Prior to her time at Rush, Galicia was a Certified Athletic Trainer for Athletico Physical Therapy. At Athletico, she also spent time as an affiliate at Morton West and Morton East High Schools. This included home coverage for all athletic events and providing any and all medical treatment on-site, including concussion protocols. She also spent time at ESPN Wide World of Sports as a Select Medical Staff Intern. This was in assistance with semi-professional, professional, and amateur events. Included in the position was setting up medical stations and assisting in taping, splinting, first aid, and SCAT3 examinations.
In her undergraduate studies, Galicia also was a part of the Northern Illinois University First Aid Medical Staff. This primarily revolved around medical coverage for multiple sports and logging treatment of participants. Overall, Galicia has worked in a plethora of sports, including soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, gymnastics, volleyball, cheerleading, and dance.
Galicia graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Athletic Training. She will begin immediately as of July 24, 2023.
