SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Athletic Department has announced the additions of two new staff members. Brittan Murphy and Brenna Pfahler have joined the athletic training staff for the Bulldogs. Their employment became official in late July. Murphy and Pfahler will work alongside Head Athletic Trainer Randy Baack and Assistant Athletic Trainer Kyli Haines. Murphy and Pfahler will also take on the title of Assistant Athletic Trainer.
Concordia Athletic Training has grown from three full-time staff members to four in 2021-22. The additions will allow for additional service to an athletic department featuring more than 700 student-athletes.
A native of Sioux Falls, S.D., Murphy already has a familiarity with Concordia having aided the Bulldog athletic training staff from August 2019 through April 2020. Most recently, Murphy worked as a graduate assistant at NCAA Division I University of South Dakota. While with the Coyotes, Murphy provided care to the football and track & field teams. As a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Murphy served four different Husker teams at various times and worked with athletes at Lincoln Southwest High School. Murphy has taken advantage of leadership opportunities within her field, including her role as Nebraska Athletic Training Association Student Leadership Council Treasurer.
Murphy earned her Bachelor of Education and Health Sciences from Nebraska and then obtained her Master’s in Educational Administration & Leadership, Adult Education.
Said Murphy, “This opportunity excites me because I get to interact with student-athletes and help them through their journey at Concordia both on and off the competitive surfaces. I enjoy working in athletic training because it allows me to be myself, make jokes, have a sense of humor, but also put other people first and make sure the athletes feel confident in themselves to perform at their best. I’m so thankful to be a part of the Concordia community. Every person I have met so far has greeted me with welcoming arms and a huge smile.”
Pfahler (Monument, Colo., native) arrived in Seward after having been employed by Bryan Health and Lincoln Orthopedic Center in Lincoln, Neb. Along with that role, she worked as the Head Athletic Trainer for Seward High School. Prior to returning to Lincoln, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln alum spent nearly two years at Athleticare Sports Health Foundation in St. Louis, Mo., where she was the Head Athletic Trainer at Lindbergh High School. During her time as a Nebraska student, Pfahler worked with three Husker teams over a period of four years. A member of the Nebraska Athletic Trainers Association, Pfahler has volunteered her time to many community athletic events.
Pfahler earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences (Athletic Training) from Nebraska and acquired her Master’s of Applied Exercise Science (Human Movement).
Said Pfahler, “Working for Concordia Nebraska is such an exciting opportunity for me as it will allow me to begin my collegiate athletic training career in a welcoming and well-established community. I love working as an athletic trainer because every day is different and exciting. I get to combine my love of sports and medicine, while also developing positive relationships with coaches, athletes and fans.”
Athletic training demands will intensify on Monday, Aug. 9 when athletes from several fall sports report for preseason camp.