As the NSU athletic season kicks-off, a familiar face finds himself in unfamiliar territory.
Zevon Stubblefield, assistant athletic trainer for four years at NSU, is the new assistant athletic director/Sports Medicine. Stubblefield takes over the reigns from Larry Starr who announced his retirement in July after serving in the position for eight years.
Stubblefield joined NSU in 2006 as an associate athletic trainer after earning a Bachelor of Science in Health from the University of North Florida. He later completed a Master’s of Science in Exercise and Sports Science at Florida International University.
The new position means a lot to Stubblefield. He is humbled by his new role and motivated to succeed.
“I feel lucky to be in a position to serve both the NSU student-athletes and the NSU sports medicine interdisciplinary team,” said Stubblefield.
Even though Stubblefield didn’t start until August, he has already outlined what he wants to achieve in his new position.
“I am looking to maintain the great reputation that the NSU sports medicine interdisciplinary team has earned over the last ten years,” said Stubblefield. “The entire team wants to improve our efficiency and aggressively pursue innovative practices in our respective fields.”
Stubblefield previously served as the athletic trainer for women’s rowing and men’s soccer. Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach Matthew Parry said that Stubblefield made a big impact on the program.
“From the outset Zevon inte-grated smoothly into the program,” said Parry. “He quickly earned the respect of the student-athletes and coaching staff with his knowledge of the sport and his ability to get the players back on the field quickly.”
Parry is certain Stubblefield will succeed in his new role and believes he possesses the necessary qualities to handle the added responsibility.
“Zevon is the ideal replacement because he is familiar with the surroundings and the inner workings of the university,” said Parry. “It will be a smooth transition for the student-athletes and staff, and, quite frankly, he deserves the opportunity to succeed Larry because he is a great person.”
Stubblefield has left a lasting impression, not only on coaches, but also on student-athletes whom he has worked closely with over the last four years.
Senior men’s soccer player Aly Hassan said Stubblefield is a good trainer who is professional and reliable.
“He is very committed to what he does and truly cares about helping us stay fit and healthy,” he said.
Stubblefield will have greater administrative responsibilities in his new role including site supervision at NSU sporting events, leading weekly meetings with the Department of Sports Medicine and attending weekly meetings with the athletic director.
Stubblefield is determined to maintain and build upon the found-ation of his predecessor and has a firm vision where the department will be in 10 years.
“We will set the standard in sports medicine in terms of athletic trainer/student-athlete ratio, strength and conditioning coach/student-athlete ratio, state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities and high quality healthcare provided by a sports medicine interdisciplinary team,” said Stubblefield.
