Madison, N.J. (July 9)- The FDU Devils Athletic Department and Director of Athletics Kristin Giotta are excited to announce the promotions of Lauren Michel to Assistant Athletic Director, to go along with her Head Athletic Trainer title, and Iavana Parker to Associate Athletic Trainer. They will assume these roles effective immediately.

"With the NCAA placing on emphasis on athletic trainers and the crucial role they play as a part of collegiate athletic departments, we are thrilled to promote Lauren and Iavana to administrative and associate roles, effective immediately. Said Giotta "Both Lauren and Iavana have done a tremendous job in their time with FDU, placing an emphasis on the mental health and overall well-being of our student-athletes. We have worked tirelessly over the past year to strengthen our administration, and these are well deserved promotions for these two individuals."
 
Michel earns this promotion after spending the last three years as an Athletic Trainer for the Devils Athletic Department, including two years as the Head Athletic Trainer. She oversees the entirety of the Athletic Training staff and operation of the office as a whole. She has worked extensively with the care of the women's soccer team, men's and women's basketball teams and women's lacrosse teams. Lauren has also played a vital role in the implementation of mental health awareness programs and personal care programs to help better the lives of our student-athletes.
 
Michel graduated from Rutgers University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Sports Studies and an Applied Kinesiology option. After finishing her undergraduate program, Michel attended Seton Hall University and graduated in the Spring of 2020 with a Master of Science in Athletic Training.
 
As an Athletic Training Student, Michel spent time at Union High School, FDU, the New York Jets and Seton Hall. Starting at Union in 2018, Michel got her first experience working the football, soccer, volleyball and track and field programs. After Union, Michel joined the Devils staff in January 2019, assisting with men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, and men's and women's lacrosse.
 
From there, Michel spent six months with the New York Jets, helping the training staff with evaluations, first aid care, rehabilitation, hydration and application of modalities. Michel finished up as an Athletic Training Student at Seton Hall, working with men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, men's and women's soccer, cross-country and swimming and diving.
 
Parker has been a member of the FDU Devils Athletic Training staff since 2021. She worked extensively with the field hockey, men's and women's basketball teams and men's lacrosse teams during her time in Madison.
 
Iavana came to Fairleigh Dickinson University after serving as the Head Athletic Trainer at Cazenovia High School in Cazenovia, NY. There, she oversaw 25 boy's and girl's programs competing for the Lakers. Before her stint at CHS, Parker was an Athletic Trainer with Premier Sports Medicine, providing per diem athletic training services all around New Jersey and continues to do so today.
 
She began her career as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at her Alma Mater, Kean. As the GA Athletic Trainer, Iavana assisted the training staff with all 14 of the Cougars varsity sports, while completing her master's degree.
 
Iavana graduated from Kean University in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in athletic training before returning to Kean as a graduate assistant.
 
"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to step into this new role." Michel said "I look forward to contributing to the success and growth of our Athletics Administration here at FDU and continuing to work towards delivering the best possible health care to our student athletes. I am eager to leverage our strengths and drive innovation as we take on this new chapter together."
 
"I'm extremely honored and excited for this opportunity." Parker stated. "I look forward to continuing to help evolve the Sports Medicine Department for the betterment of our student athletes. I'm truly grateful to have the support of our administration here at FDU."
 
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