SARASOTA, Fla. – New College of Florida Athletics has announced the hiring of Dr. Rubie Gaudette, DAT, ATC, CSCS, as the institution's first Director of Sports Medicine, marking a significant step as the College launches a centralized Sports Medicine Department to serve all Mighty Banyan scholar-athletes. The creation of the new department reflects New College's continued investment in the health, safety, and performance of its scholar-athletes while bringing sports medicine and athletic training operations together under one unified vision.
Dr. Gaudette joins New College after serving for 11 years in various leadership positions at IMG Academy, one of the nation's premier scholar-athlete high-performance environments.
"I am excited to build the Sports Medicine Department at New College of Florida that will not only support the programs at NCF but will also serve as the blueprint for other institutions to follow," Dr. Gaudette said. "The priority of the Sports Medicine Department will be to create a collaborative, evidence-based environment that not only supports every stage of the athlete's journey, but one that supports the success and development of its coaches."
Dr. Gaudette earned her Doctorate in Athletic Training from Moravian University after completing a Master of Science in Athletic Training at Western Michigan University, where she served as a graduate assistant, worked as the head athletic trainer for a local high school, and provided medical coverage for the USTA. She began her academic career by earning a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Southern Maine.
A Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer, Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Dr. Gaudette also holds a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer certification. Her background uniquely combines sports medicine, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance training, allowing her to help athletes safely transition from recovery back to competition.
"The feedback from colleagues in the industry was remarkably consistent," said Vice President of Athletics Mariano Jimenez. "Everyone who has worked with Dr. Gaudette spoke about her professionalism, leadership, and genuine care for scholar-athletes. We're excited to welcome her and confident she'll help build one of the premier sports medicine programs in the NAIA."
As Director of Sports Medicine, Dr. Gaudette will oversee the development and implementation of New College's centralized sports medicine model, working alongside coaches, strength and conditioning staff, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for all Mighty Banyan scholar-athletes.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Gaudette has established herself as a respected educator and researcher. She has presented at the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), the Gatorade Performance Partner Leadership Summit, the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS), and the Athletic Trainers' Association of Florida (ATAF). She is also the author of a peer-reviewed publication exploring the role of athletic trainers in supporting law enforcement officers recovering from work-related injuries.
The addition of the Sports Medicine Department represents another significant milestone in the continued growth of New College Athletics. As the department expands to 24 intercollegiate varsity sports, it continues to invest in the resources, infrastructure, and support services necessary to match the rapid development of its athletic programs and provide an exceptional experience for every scholar-athlete.
