Pacific Athletics welcomes new trainer Elena Matt to the staff
The training room is rarely quiet. The sound of athletic tape ripping from its roll mixes with the rustling of ice bags, the shuffle of cleats across the floor and the conversations of athletes coming in and out. One athlete might be icing a sore knee while another waits for a quick evaluation before heading back to practice. As one sports season begins and another comes to a close, Pacific’s athletic training staff remains in constant motion, working behind the scenes to keep athletes healthy and ready to compete.
Among the familiar faces in the training room this fall is Elena Matt, who joined Pacific University’s athletic training staff eager to bring her experience and passion for sports to Boxer athletics. As an Oregon native, Matt was excited to join Pacific University while remaining close to the place she has always called home. “I love the family feel here,” Matt explained. “Everyone wants everyone to succeed and do really well.”
Matt grew up playing basketball and volleyball, fostering a lifelong connection to sports. Her interest in athletic training was inspired by her own experience with an injury as a young athlete, as well as her father’s career as a physical therapist. She went on to pursue graduate school at Oregon State University, furthering her education and preparing for a career helping athletes recover and return to the sports they love. Joining the Pacific staff came at the perfect time for her, “I knew Eric Pitkanen (Head Director of Sports Medicine at Pacific) from a mock interview I did for school, and when they had an opening he remembered me,” Matt recalled. “He asked if I was still looking for a job and that there was one available. It all ended up being perfect.”
When asked what her passion for her job is, Matt explained with no hesitation, “being an advocate for the athlete when they can’t advocate for themselves,” Matt shared. “Being there for them mentally, physically, and making sure they are safe, but still enjoying the sport.” Her connection to the athletes is something that she takes pride in and hopes to strengthen over the course of her time in Pacific athletics. As she dives deeper into her time at Pacific she is excited to learn and grow in her position. “I am going to learn along the way and whatever I learn this year is going to help me next year and the years after that,” Matt shared.
After jumping head first into the chaos of the busy fall, Matt remains excited and can’t wait to continue to learn more about Pacific and every individual. When asked what she wants people to know about her as they learn who is, she responded with, “I care for everyone and no matter what you come to me with I am going to be there to help you.” On a more personal level she shared her soft spot, “I love treats!” Matt expressed with a smile. “I think my favorite would be cookies or brownies, feel free to bring me some!”
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