Troy, NY----The Sage Colleges Athletic Director, Dani Drews announced the selection of Jessica Horan (Saratoga Springs, NY) to serve as the new assistant athletic trainer at the college. Horan, a 2005 Sage College graduate, joins head athletic trainer Sharon Brodie, becoming the first assistant athletic trainer for the growing athletic department that now includes 12 varsity teams.

Drews said of Horan's hiring, "We are delighted to have Jessica return to Sage as our new assistant athletic trainer."  She added, "This is an exciting part of our athletics expansion and we could think of no one better than a former Russell Sage valedictorian to fill the role."

Horan returns to her alma mater after earning her bachelor of science degree in athletic training in 2005, before attaining her masters' degree in exercise science and health promotion with a specialization in rehabilitation science from California University of Pennsylvania in 2006. In addition to being a NATABOC certified athletic trainer, Horan also holds her certification in strength and conditioning through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Horan said of her selection, "It is very exciting to return to Sage and be a part of the growing athletic department."  Horan added, "I can already see how far athletics has come and I feel honored to be a part of the continued expansion!"

Prior to returning to Sage, Horan served as an assistant athletic trainer at Siena College from 2005-2006 before serving as the athletic trainer at Gresham SportsCare Physical Therapy and head athletic trainer at Gresham High School (Gresham, OR) from 2006-2008. She returned to Siena College in 2008, serving as part-time assistant athletic trainer for the Saints, while also working most recently as the part-time strength and conditioning trainer at the Athletic Republic in Clifton Park, NY from 2008-2009.

Horan has also worked as a student athletic trainer at South Colonie High School (NY), the College of St. Rose (Albany, NY) as well as with the Albany Conquest Arena 2 Football program and with the Thomas Nicolla Physical Therapy Center.

In 2005, she was named the valedictorian of her graduating class at Russell Sage College and has also been recognized for her excellent work with the Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association Undergraduate Scholarship Award and the NATA and NASM Pursuit of Excellence Award in Athletic Training Scholarship. She is a 2001 graduate of Schuylerville High School (NY), she was the class salutatorian as well as a three-sport athlete, having excelled in cross country, basketball and softball. A two-time state meet qualifier in cross country in 1999 and 2000, she was a Section Two All-Star in softball.

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