WORCESTER, Mass. – Clark University Director of Athletics and Recreation Trish Cronin announced the hiring of Beth Ward as Director of Sports Medicine on Monday afternoon.
"We are thrilled to welcome Beth Ward as our new Director of Sports Medicine," said Cronin. "Beth's extensive background in athletic training and proven ability to enhance athlete care make her an ideal fit for this role. Her leadership and expertise will be instrumental in advancing our sports medicine programs and ensuring the highest level of support for our student-athletes. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to our community."
Ward brings over 12 years of experience in athletic training and a proven track record in sports medicine. Her career encompasses a broad range of experiences, including roles at Dean College as Head Athletic Trainer, and previous positions at UMass Lowell, Temple University, Ursinus College, and Greensboro College,
"I am thrilled to join the Athletics Department at Clark University," said Ward. "I am looking forward to the opportunity for growth and increasing Clark's competitive edge through the proper care and treatment of its student-athletes. My gratitude goes whole-heartedly to the search committee for granting me the chance to fulfill the role of Director of Sports Medicine."
Ward's diverse background spans multiple sports and settings, including Olympic events and NCAA Championships. In her two years at Dean College, Ward played a key role in developing and implementing comprehensive injury management and concussion protocols, crafting emergency action plans, leading a team of athletic trainers, and teaching various courses.
During stints at UMass Lowell (2019-22) and Temple (2017-19), Ward served as an assistant athletic trainer and covered a variety of DI varsity sports. Ward was instrumental in helping the implementation of UMass Lowell's COVID-19 implementation plan as well as emergency action plans. Ward worked as a graduate assistant at Ursinus College and a student worker in the athletic training office while playing soccer at Greensboro College.
Ward's dedication to sports medicine has been recognized through prestigious awards such as the NATA Research and Education Foundation Scholarship and the WCU Student Research and Creative Activities Award. She also contributed as a speaker at the 2017 NATA Symposium and Expo, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field.
Ward earned her Master of Science in Athletic Training from West Chester University in 2017. She received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training with a Minor in Humanities from Greensboro College in 2012. Ward's professional credentials include licenses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, and she is a Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer. Additionally, Ward holds American Red Cross CPR/First Aid for the Professional Rescuer certification.
