ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College Department of Athletics & Recreation has hired Samantha Robbins as Director of Sport Performance/Head Athletic Trainer, and promoted Jon Enciso to Associate Head Athletic Trainer, it was announced Tuesday.
Prior to joining Bard full-time, Robbins worked in the athletic department as a part-time strength and conditioning coach and Athletic Trainer in the Fall of 2022. In her new role, Robbins will oversee all aspects of the department's efforts in Sports Medicine and Strength & Conditioning, and will collaborate with other departments on campus to enhance fitness and wellness for all members of the Bard community.
"We're extremely excited to have hired Sam for this role, in which she will have a huge impact on all the student-athletes in our department, and on the campus more broadly," said David Lindholm, Director of Athletics & Recreation. "Her experience and skills make her a perfect fit for the position, and we're thrilled that she has decided to join our team."
A Hudson Valley native, Robbins attended nearby New Paltz High School and played softball and basketball there. She continued her basketball career at the University of New England, as she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. Robbins earned her Master's Degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from New York Chiropractic College.
Since 2015, Robbins has been the co-owner of Design Yourself Strong Sports Performance in Saugerties, a 13,000-square-foot athletic development and indoor softball and baseball performance facility. She lives in Saugerties with her wife, Stacey, and their daughter, Remy.
"I am excited to join the Bard Athletic Department during a time of transition under the leadership of Athletic Director David Lindholm and Associate Athletic Director Stefanie Carrington," Robbins said. "I plan to provide all necessary resources for Bard student-athletes to reach their desired athletic potential."
Jon Enciso has been at Bard since August of 2021, first as an Assistant Athletic Trainer, then more recently Interim Head Athletic Trainer. He earned his B.S. in Athletic Training from Marist College, and his Master's in Athletic Training from East Stroudsburg University in 2021.
"Jon has done exceptional work in his short time at Bard, and made a positive impact on individuals and teams he has worked with over the last 18 months," said Lindholm. "We're pleased that he will be continuing in an impactful role in Athletic Training and further raise the standard for our department."
A Poughkeepsie native, Enciso was a member of the crew and swim teams at Poughkeepsie High School. He lives in Poughkeepsie.
"I feel honored to be at Bard," Enciso said. "Especially being a part of the changing climate of Athletics. I am hoping to provide the best clinical care for the student-athletes and to continue to push the agenda of change and growth for the department and the student-athletes."
