Salisbury University Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Gerry DiBartolo announced Mary Tovornik as SU’s next head athletic trainer April 26, with the Sea Gull alumna taking the reins beginning May 4.
After fulfilling the role of co-interim head athletic trainer alongside Matt Lipka since December, Tovornik gained experience in sports coverage, hiring practices and administrative tasks to complement her service on the sidelines of all SU athletic programs.
Tovornik received the temporary added leadership responsibilities following her six-year tenure as the university’s assistant athletic trainer starting in 2015.
“I feel [the new role] is just a continuation of what we have already been doing, which is serving our student athletes the best we can,” Tovornik said.
Tovornik earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education with a concentration in athletic training from SU in 1997.
“I had a great group of professors, mentors, classmates and student athletes that I worked with … it was a very positive experience,” Tovornik said. “It was challenging, but it prepared me very well for a career in athletic training.”
Prior to returning to her alma mater, the Sea Gull spent eight years as the associate athletic trainer at Stony Brook University.
“All those experiences were great, though I knew it would be different coming back [to SU] as an employee than a student,” Tovornik said. “But I knew family would be close by and I would be joining a good group of people that are dedicated to the athletes.”
By JAKOB TODD
Sports editor
Featured image courtesy of Brad Boardman.