ROCK ISLAND -- Head athletic trainer Denise Yoder has announced the hiring of Ashley Mathias, who will join as an assistant athletic trainer and work directly with men's and women's soccer, men's and women's swimming & diving, and softball.

"I am very excited to have Ashley join our athletic training staff," said Yoder. "Adding a fifth athletic trainer will enhance medical care for all of our student-athletes."

Mathias returns to Augustana after completing her assistant athletic trainer internship with the Vikings in the fall of 2023. During this time, she worked with eight different teams, including football, men's water polo, and each of men's and women's soccer, swimming & diving, and cross country. Throughout her internship, she conducted daily evaluations of student-athletes and developed individualized treatment plans. She also documented student-athletes' and worked closely with the rest of the athletic training staff and physicians to issue care.

"I am super excited to be joining the athletic Ttaining staff at Augie," said Mathias. "I am looking forward to the upcoming school year and to everything we will accomplish together." 

Prior to her time at Augustana, Mathias worked as an athletic training student at Union College in Barbourville, Ky., where she earned a Master's in Athletic Training and a Bachelor's in General Studies. At Union, she worked directly with three programs and helped in the evaluation and treatment of student-athletes.

Mathias is from Milan, Ill. and played collegiate soccer at Heartland before finishing her athletic and academic career at Union. Her duties with the athletic training staff will begin this fall.