LIVONIA, Mich. – As Athletic Training Month just wrapped up, Madonna University Athletics would like to provide an update on the Athletic Trainers that are on staff. 

Starting with Madonna's Head Athletic Trainer, Peter Benjamin. With a strong background in athletic training, leadership, and sports medicine, Benjamin brings a wealth of experience and a passion for athlete care to our athletic department.
Benjamin comes to Madonna after serving as the Head Athletic Trainer at Concordia University Ann Arbor since 2019, where he oversaw a team of five assistant trainers and played a key role in hiring and mentorship. He was the primary athletic trainer for football, hockey, and competitive cheer and dance, demonstrating his ability to manage high-level athletic programs. Before that, he led the athletic training department at Madonna University and served as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Hillsdale College.

A graduate of Western Michigan University with a Master's degree in Athletic Training from Illinois State University, Benjamin has a strong background in athlete rehabilitation, emergency care, and performance enhancement. His certifications include Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), is an American Red Cross instructor and is certified in Graston technique. He has also been recognized as the 2020-21 WHAC Athletic Trainer of the Year and has served as the Chair for Athletic Trainers in the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC).

Personally, Benjamin is married to his wife Sarah, and have five children together. 

Next on the staff is Assistant Athletic Trainer, Erik Arent, with a strong background in sports medicine, emergency medical response, and athlete rehabilitation, Arent brings invaluable expertise to Madonna Athletics.
"It is great to have worked with Erik at CUAA and now here at Madonna," said Head Athletic Trainer Peter Benjamin. "He is hard-working, dedicated, and a great team player. He stays humble but can step up when asked and complete any tasks before him."

He previously served as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Concordia University Ann Arbor from 2023 until this past fall, covering men's lacrosse, men's soccer, and track and field. His background also includes work as an EMT with Emergent Health Partners, Rapid Response EMS, and HANCO EMS where he provided emergency medical care in high-pressure environments.

Arent holds a Master's degree in Athletic Training from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from Ohio Northern University. His additional qualifications include Michigan Athletic Trainer and EMT Licenses, Graston Technique certification, and expertise in equipment removal and spine boarding techniques.

Personally, Arent is married to his wife, Brianna, and have two daughters together. 

Last, but certainly not least is Brynn Nevins. Brynn started at Madonna back in August and is a recent graduate from Wayne State University.  With a strong background in sports medicine, injury prevention, and strength and conditioning, Brynn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our athletic department. 

"Brynn has shown a great amount of docility and determination being here since August and enduring some early challenges" Benjamin stated. "She has shown grit in becoming a better athletic trainer and working to improve her skills, which is essential early on in a professional career." 

Brynn earned both her Master of Science in Athletic Training and Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Wayne State University, where she focused on exercise and sport science as part of her University Honors Co-Major. In addition to her academic achievements, she holds several key certifications, including: MSAT (Master of Science in Athletic Training), AT (Athletic Training), ATC (Certified Athletic Training), and CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning).

PRIMARY SPORTS RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Peter: Football, Men's Basketball, and Men's Lacrosse
• Erik: Women's Soccer, Cheer, Dance, Softball and Women's Lacrosse
• Brynn: Volleyball, Women's Basketball, and Baseball

We are thrilled to have Peter, Erik and Brynn on staff and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our athletic programs. 

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