SAINT LEO, Fla. - Saint Leo University Athletics would like to thank Associate Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator, and Health Care Administrator Barbara Wilson for her service as she prepares to leave the university at the end of May. Wilson came to Saint Leo in 1999 and spent the last 24 years building the department from a one-person shop to one of the best sports medicine programs in the Sunshine State Conference.

"Barb was one of my first hires when I became athletic director and that hire has been one of the best decisions I made during my tenure," Vice President and Director of Athletics Fran Reidy said. "Barb took her single position along with an antiquated athletic training room and systematically built a truly exceptional sports medicine department." 

Under Wilson's leadership, the sports medicine department grew to a five-person team. Wilson formed partnerships with the University of South Florida physicians and a chiropractor to perform campus visits, staff events, and treat student-athletes. Essential functions such as insurance tracking, concussion protocols, compliance, and other important tasks became seamless under Wilson.

"Barb has worked with literally hundreds of student- athletes during her time at SLU, and Women's Soccer had the opportunity to have Barb as our head athletic trainer for many years", said Coach Ged O'Connor. "Our alums are regularly in contact with Barb through our group text and all disappointed to see that Barb is leaving her role here, but excited to see what the next chapter holds for her and her family."

In 2017, Wilson added the senior woman administrator and associate athletic director roles. While still working with select teams as a certified athletic trainer, Wilson also heads up the department's mental health initiatives, coach and staff evaluations, guest speakers, Girls and Women in Sports recognitions, and professional development programming for assistant coaches. 

"This is one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I feel it is time for me to step away," Wilson said. "I have had countless memories at Saint Leo, and it will always have a special place in my heart."

"Barb Wilson has been a vital part of our department and has demonstrated a true passion for student-athletes and their overall health care," Reidy said. "We wish her all the best in her next adventure."

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