Pro sports therapist Jennifer Swanson joins the Otters team

The CSUMB Otters strengthened their commitment to the student-athlete experience at the start of the new year by hiring Jennifer Swanson as their new assistant athletic director and senior woman administrator.

Swanson comes to CSUMB with an extensive background in sports performance and physical therapy. Her CV includes several  high-profile positions, including head physical therapist for the Los Angeles Lakers (2016–18) and director of sports performance for the Chicago Bulls (2013–16).

After earning her bachelor’s degree in exercise science at UC Davis, she went on to earn a doctorate in physical therapy from Duke University. She completed her residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where one of her rotations included serving on the athletics training staff of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

She is a licensed physical therapist and a board-certified specialist in both sports and orthopedic physical therapy. She is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist and a nationally certified Pilates teacher through polestar Pilates.

In addition to her experience and educational qualifications, Swanson owns a half-dozen national certifications and has been published in several highly regarded journals in her field.

Swanson was herself an NCAA Division II student-athlete, winning a national championship as a record-setting pole vaulter for UC Davis. That background gives her a highly-qualified perspective on what student-athletes need to succeed, both in the classroom and in competition. We took the opportunity to chat with her about those experiences and what she brings to CSUMB.

What are your primary responsibilities as you begin your duties at CSUMB?

There are three main parts to my position – assistant athletic director for sports administration, senior woman administrator, and athletics healthcare administrator.  Ultimately everything is centered around supporting the student-athletes both on and off the field of play, utilizing a holistic approach that supports them physically, mentally and emotionally.  I also try to bridge the gap internally -- with coaches, athletic training and athletic administration -- as well as externally with other departments on campus and the surrounding community.

How would you like to see your position evolve?

I’m really trying to understand more about the specific needs of the student-athletes and the athletic department here at CSUMB rather than having preconceived ideas of what needs to be done.  I hope the position continues to evolve as these needs change over time.  No day is the same and I love being able to problem solve and find solutions that support everyone.

Tell us about how you put the student-athlete experience at the forefront of what you do? How does your experience as a student-athlete impact that?

Being a student-athlete was one of the best experiences in my life and has absolutely shaped who I am today.  I hope our athletes have a similar, if not even better experience here at CSUMB.  There is a lot to balance as a student-athlete and there are many new stressors they face, especially in this post-Covid era.  The NCAA landscape has changed as well with the new NIL deals.  It is definitely helpful having been through it myself previously, to have a baseline understanding of what challenges [the student-athletes] may be experiencing. I really try to balance that with meeting each athlete where they are personally, as no experience is exactly the same.

You've worked at the highest levels of professional sports.  What experiences do you take from that to help in your current duties and in what ways have you had to adjust?

I have been extremely fortunate in my career and definitely have a lot of experiences that I have been able to draw from.  I think being a former Division II athlete helps me understand the student-athlete perspective. Working in the training room as a physical therapist helps me understand the medical side. Collaborating with coaches helps me understand the sport demands and challenges they face. And interfacing with executive leadership/management [I can] better understand the administrative demands.  We all have the same goals, just a different viewpoint or perspective as to how to best achieve them.  At the end of the day, everything comes down to communication and learning how to best work together, and hopefully get some wins along the way.

JENNIFER SWANSON QUICK FACTS

Alma Mater: UC Davis – Undergrad.   Duke University – PT School

Hometown: Born in Salinas, CA.   Split time between Gilroy and Monterey growing up.  Graduated from Gilroy High School

Favorite part about being at CSUMB: Working back in my hometown.  When I was growing up, this was still Fort Ord, so it’s pretty surreal walking around and seeing how much things have changed and I am excited to be a part of continuing to help CSUMB grow.

Biggest challenge about working in collegiate athletics: Working with 13 sports and 250 athletes (approximately) vs. 1 sport and 15 athletes

Greatest accomplishment(s) to date:

Sports – winning a national championship and qualifying for the Olympic Trials

School – being accepted into Duke

Career – working in the NBA

Personal – having a son

Most important skill you have developed in your career: Understanding the importance of communication.

Best advice you were ever given: Listen to understand instead of just waiting for the opportunity to talk.

Most influential person in your career: Sue Falsone – previous boss and 1st female athletic trainer in MLB (among many other roles).

Favorite motivational advice: “Alis Volat Propriis” – she flies with her own wings.

Advice for those looking to get into collegiate athletics: Don’t be afraid to create your own path – nobody’s journey looks the same.

Dream job: Already have had it working in the NBA, as it was always my dream to work in pro sports.

One item you cannot live without: Coffee.

If you could have attended one historical sporting event, it would it have been: Have always wanted to go to the Olympics.

Three living people you’d like to have dinner with: Jay Shetty, Sara Bareilles, Serena Williams.

– GO OTTERS! –