University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn Names Dr. Allison Schafer as Director of Sports Medicine and Head Team Physician
7/22/2025 1:00:00 PM | General
Accomplished physician transitions from interim role to permanent leadership position
STORRS, Conn. – The University of Connecticut announced today that Dr. Allison Schafer has been named Director of Sports Medicine and Head Team Physician. Dr. Schafer, who has served in the interim role for the past year, brings more than seven years of experience in orthopedics and sports medicine to her permanent appointment.
"Dr. Schafer has demonstrated exceptional leadership during her time as interim director, and we are delighted to name her to this permanent position," said Director of Athletics David Benedict. "Her deep understanding of our program, combined with her extensive clinical experience and dedication to student-athlete welfare, makes her the ideal choice to lead our sports medicine initiatives."
Dr. Schafer currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedics at UConn Health, where she also holds the position of Medical Director of the Women's Center for Motion and Performance. She serves as Core Faculty for the Family Medicine Non-Operative Sports Medicine Fellowship and has been an Assistant Team Physician for several UConn athletic teams.
During her tenure as interim director, Dr. Schafer successfully oversaw the sports medicine program's operations and fostered strong collaborative relationships with athletic trainers, coaches, researchers, and administrators. Her multidisciplinary approach has enhanced the comprehensive care provided to UConn's student-athletes across all programs.
In her permanent role, Dr. Schafer will direct, coordinate, and administer UConn's comprehensive sports medicine program, providing clinical oversight for the care, prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of student-athletes. The position reports to the Executive Director of Student Health and Wellness, working in close collaboration with the Department of Athletics, while maintaining relationships with the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Department of Family Medicine, and the School of Medicine at UConn Health.
Dr. Schafer's clinical experience at UConn Health has strengthened collaboration between sports medicine, orthopedic specialists, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring that UConn athletes receive timely, high-quality care that supports both their athletic performance and long-term well-being.
The appointment reinforces UConn's commitment to providing exceptional medical support for its student-athletes through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to athlete health and performance.
