On Feb. 10 an email was sent out to all student athletes by the Director of Athletics and Recreation, Trish Cronin, regarding the resignation of Beth Ward, former Director of Sports Medicine.
“I am writing today to inform you that Beth Ward, Director of Sports Medicine, has submitted her letter of resignation effective February 16th.” Cronin wrote. “Beth has decided to step away in order to focus on her mental health… In the meantime, I want you all to know that a transition plan is already in place to ensure a smooth path forward.
“I am confident that together we can work through any challenges that may arise.” Cronin continued. “I ask you for your patience and understanding during this transition.”
Ward’s resignation is a pressing issue for Clark Athletics, which has been operating without an adequate number of athletic trainers for some time. According to Cronin, Clark has had two open positions for athletic trainers since May.
“And now, well those are still open, [in addition] to the director of sports medicine,” Cronin said in an interview with The Scarlet.
“There is a nation-wide shortage.” Cronin stated. “There’s probably about 35 open positions right now just in New England. That’s been what the struggle is. The athletic training world has kind of changed in the last couple of years.”
According to NCAA 2023 demographics, there is an average of four full-time athletic trainers at a Division-III institution. Currently at Clark there is only one–Cronin.
“I have committed probably about 30 hours a week to athletic training personally,” Cronin said. “I am a certified athletic trainer, so when [Ward] was here I was doing probably about 15-20 hours, so we have kind of doubled that a little bit.”
Faced with the challenge of performing the duties of the Director of Athletics and Recreation, as well as the tasks involved with being the Director of Sports Medicine, Cronin has a lot on her plate.
Since being hired in August of 2024, Ward oversaw each of the 17 varsity athletic teams at Clark, providing care for over 380 student athletes on campus. Now, without Ward, this responsibility falls onto Cronin.
“I think [Ward] worked very hard as an athletic trainer,” Crinin said. “Her and I worked as hard as we could to try and fill in those other two spots… hasn’t been successful but going forward [the department] will make sure that the students get as much coverage as they need.”
One of the ways the athletic department has been working to fulfill athletic training roles is by hiring per diem athletic trainers throughout the year.
”We’ve had a couple of consistent per diem people, and we are looking to do some contracting work with Mass General to help support and what not.” Cronin shared. “WPI has [also] been phenomenal in helping with this process.”
While per diem athletic trainers help to provide needed rehabilitation and support to student athletes, lack of consistency continues to be an issue for athletes on campus, according to Cronin.
“The only hiccup when you don’t have trainers on staff is the consistency from trainer to trainer. If you have one trainer or a staff that is in house, the communication is more regular.” Cronin stated. “It’s easier to talk to somebody who is in the same room with you day after day. Right now it’s really been four people, myself and a couple of really consistent per diem people.”
As of right now, Clark has three positions open for hire for athletic training, one Director of Sports Medicine and two athletic trainers. It is integral for Clark to fill these positions, as it is mandated by the NCAA and the state for trainers to be present for high collision sports.
As Spring sports such as lacrosse, baseball, and softball kick off their seasons in the next coming weeks, it remains unknown how Clark will handle the task of ensuring the safety of the teams.
