Rader Added to AT Staff

WINCHESTER, Va. - Shenandoah University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Wayne Edwards and Head Athletics Trainer Mike Kotelnicki announced Thursday the addition of Josh Rader as an assistant athletics trainer.

Rader, 26, a Winchester native, takes on the full-time role in athletics after working with the department part-time this past winter and spring.

Rader served as the athletics trainer for the men’s basketball and baseball teams in 2010 on a part-time basis and will continue to work with them in his full-time role.

In the fall, Rader will serve as the athletics trainer for the women’s field hockey program.

This position is one of two in athletic training that the department is adding this year. When the second hire is made later this summer, SU will have four full-time athletics trainers on staff.

“Josh did an excellent job with our basketball and baseball teams this winter and spring, and so we were very happy that he decided to pursue one of the full-time positions that we were adding,” Kotelnicki said.

“We did a national search for this position, and Josh stood out among all of the candidates that we had for the spot.

“I know our coaches and student-athletes are going to enjoy working with Josh for many years to come.”

Rader is a 2007 graduate of James Madison University and earned his Master’s Degree from Alvernia University in 2009.

“I am excited to begin my professional career here in my hometown,” Rader said. “Working with basketball and baseball this past year was a very rewarding experience and I look forward to continuing my work with these two teams as well as field hockey.

“I would just like to thank Mike and Dr. Edwards for having the confidence to give me this opportunity.”

Rader’s addition brings the department to 24 full-time members.