For many, a love for sports ends after high school or college. But for one newly promoted Director of Sports Medicine, Bryan Miskimens, that love evolved into a fulfilling career rooted in service, mentorship, and leadership. 

"I've always had a passion for sports—I played them my entire life," said Miskimens. "I always knew I wanted to be involved with them and serving and helping others brought a lot of joy into my life as well. So, putting those two things together is how I found Sports Medicine." 

That blend of passion and purpose led to years of hands-on experience, culminating in a significant milestone: a promotion to Director of Sports Medicine. "It felt rewarding," said Miskimens. "This is my first real promotion, so it felt good to step into a role that the administration felt I was ready for." 

Before stepping into this leadership position, Miskimens faced challenges that would shape his professional growth in profound ways.  

"My first job as an Athletic Trainer after recently graduating and moving to a new state, I took a job as the only staff member for the entire college," Miskimens recalled. "Being able to manage everything on my own right out the gate, with little to no resources as compared to here, I believe, prepared me for this current role." 

Now, as Director, the responsibilities have grown, but the core mission remains the same. "Thankfully, the type of work I'll be doing won't necessarily change," Miskimens explained. "Tom Lechtenberg prepared me well to teach me the business, insurance, and administrative side of things. The main difference now is the amount I'm doing, which is much more." 

Despite the increased workload, the heart of the job—working with student-athletes—continues to be a source of joy. "I just truly enjoy being around student-athletes," Miskimens said. "They bring a fun and unique spirit with them, and it makes the athletic training room a good environment to be in. It's rewarding when they leave the training room, either learning something they didn't know before or feeling better than when they stepped in." 

For young professionals aspiring to grow into leadership roles within sports medicine, Miskimens offered a simple but powerful piece of advice: "Learn from as many people as you can. There are a lot of great mentors, leaders, and overall great people out there who possess unique, strong qualities. Take the qualities and lessons you've learned from them and apply them in your work." 

Miskimens journey in the field is a testament to hard work, humility, and the impact of combining passion with purpose. And for those just starting out, it's a reminder that leadership isn't just about climbing the ladder—it's about learning, serving, and never losing sight of why you started.