SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Lake Superior State Athletics has hired Patrick Sarni as co-head athletic trainer, as announced by Dr. David Paitson, Director of Athletics at LSSU.

Sarni will serve as the head athletic trainer for Lake Superior State's NCAA Division I hockey program, as well as the tennis and golf teams.

"We are excited about the addition of Patrick Sarni to our athletics department," said Dr. Paitson. "Sarni brings an abundance of collegiate athletic training experience, including experience working with hockey, to our department. He will play a pivotal role in the continued success of our student-athletes."

Sarni comes to Lake Superior State University from Lawrence Technological University, where he served as an assistant athletic trainer in 2018-19. While at LTU, Sarni was the primary athletic trainer for both the NAIA and ACHA DIII hockey teams, and the men's and women's tennis teams. In addition, he assisted with the design and set up of a new athletic training rehab facility.

Prior to his time at LTU, Sarni was a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of South Carolina (2016-18), where he worked with the men's basketball, men's tennis, golf and football programs.

Before his time at University of South Carolina, Sarni assisted with various teams, including hockey, while pursuing his bachelor's degree at Michigan State University (2012-2016). In addition, he completed a summer athletic training internship with the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball organization in 2015.

"Being hired at Lake State is an opportunity that I am incredibly thankful for," Sarni said. "The Lake State community has already been so welcoming, and I am honored to be joining both an exceptional staff and university. I am looking forward to this new chapter with LSSU. Go Lakers!"

A native of Perrysburg, Ohio, Sarni holds a Master of Science in advanced athletic training from the University of South Carolina ('18) and Bachelor of Science in athletic training from Michigan State University ('16). 

Sarni is replacing Natalie Reynolds, who spent the past two years as co-head athletic trainer at LSSU. This summer, Reynolds moved on from Lake Superior State for a year-long Athletic Training Fellowship at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, where she will be shadowing orthopedic surgeons and scrubbing in for surgeries. She will also have the opportunity to provide training coverage for local community events and teams, including the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. Reynolds is one of seven successful applicants, who were admitted into this prestigious fellowship. About 10% of applicants were accepted into the program.

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