TACOMA, Washington – After 18 years with Puget Sound, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Student-Athlete Wellness and Sports Medicine Craig Bennett announced that he is stepping down from his position. Bennett has accepted a position at a local healthcare system to manage an orthopedics and sports medicine clinic.   
 
"Craig's dedication to his profession and our student-athletes has been invaluable to the university, especially during the challenges of the pandemic," said Puget Sound Director of Athletics Amy Hackett. "There has never been any doubt that the health and well-being of our student-athletes were always in the best hands during Craig's time with Puget Sound. His expertise and leadership will be missed, but we look forward to seeing Craig and his family enjoy being Logger fans in the years ahead."   
 
Bennett joined the Maroon & White in 2005 as the head athletic trainer. He oversaw all functions of the Sports Medicine department, providing critical treatment and rehabilitative care, as well as injury prevention for more than 450 students annually. He was later promoted to the assistant athletic director role. Bennett recently coordinated student-athlete wellness initiatives as part of the launch of the Puget Sound Performance Success Program (PS²).  
 
"My heart is full of gratitude and appreciation for all of the Logger athletes, parents, coaches and staff that I have been fortunate to work with the past 18 years," said Bennett. "Being an athletic trainer at Puget Sound has been an honor and a privilege for me personally and professionally. My family and I are forever grateful for the many friendships and memories we have made during our time at Puget Sound. Once a Logger, always a Logger."
 
During his Puget Sound tenure, Bennett served two terms as President of the Washington State Athletic Trainers' Association (WSATA), coordinated WSATA Concussion Symposium programs, and served as the treasurer for the Northwest Athletic Trainers' Association (NWATA). He was awarded the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Excellence in Leadership Award (2016), NATA Athletic Trainer Service Award (2012), NWATA New Horizon Award (2012), WSATA Excellence in Service Award (2011), and the University of Puget Sound Excellence in Action Award (2011).  
 
Puget Sound has initiated a national search for a new Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Student-Athlete Wellness and Sports Medicine.