SUNY Brockport Director of Athletics Dr. Erick Hart has announced the promotion of Sheryl Smith-Charlton to Head Athletic Trainer for Brockport Athletics Thursday.

Smith-Charlton, a proud Brockport alumna and nationally certified athletic trainer, brings more than two decades of experience in athletic training, sports medicine outreach, and healthcare leadership to the role. Since returning to her alma mater in August 2023, she has provided comprehensive athletic training coverage for men's soccer, men's and women's basketball, men's lacrosse, and other Golden Eagle programs while overseeing NCAA pre-participation medical eligibility, maintaining detailed injury documentation, mentoring graduate students, and strengthening collaboration with campus and medical partners.

"I am incredibly grateful and honored to step into the role of Head Athletic Trainer at SUNY Brockport," said Smith-Charlton. "Having grown both professionally and personally within this department over the last three years, it means so much to continue serving in an expanded leadership capacity. As a proud graduate of Brockport and the Athletic Training Program, this opportunity is especially meaningful. I am thankful for the mentors, colleagues, student-athletes, and our amazing staff who have trusted and supported me along the way. I want to thank Erick, Kate, and John for this opportunity. I'm excited for what's ahead."

Smith-Charlton earned the promotion following the retirement of longtime Head Athletic Trainer Lee Cohen, who dedicated decades of service to Brockport student-athletes and helped build the department's strong foundation in sports medicine.

"Sheryl embodies everything we value in Brockport Athletics — professionalism, compassion, accountability, and excellence," said Hart. "She understands the standard and is prepared to build upon that legacy. Her extensive background in both clinical and intercollegiate settings, combined with her leadership experience and deep connection to Brockport, make her exceptionally prepared to lead our athletic training unit."

In her new role, Smith-Charlton will direct all aspects of athletic training and medical care services for Brockport's 24 varsity programs. Her responsibilities include practice and game coverage, injury prevention and risk management, injury assessment and rehabilitation, emergency planning oversight, compliance with NCAA concussion guidelines, and supervision of athletic training staff, interns, and student assistants.

Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance John Jackson, who works closely with the athletic training staff to support student-athlete health and performance, praised Smith-Charlton's collaborative leadership.

"Sheryl is one of the most detail-oriented and athlete-centered professionals I've worked with," said Jackson. "She communicates exceptionally well with coaches and performance staff, and she always puts the student-athlete first. Her ability to balance high-level medical care with a calm, steady presence makes her an invaluable leader for our department. I have complete confidence in her vision and leadership as our Head Athletic Trainer."

Smith-Charlton has developed strong working relationships with UR Medicine, Hazen Health Center, and area orthopedic specialists to ensure comprehensive, high-quality treatment plans for Brockport student-athletes. She will continue to coordinate with team physicians, manage medical documentation systems, oversee secondary insurance procedures, maintain the athletic training operating budget and supply inventory, and ensure emergency action plans are implemented across all athletic venues.

Prior to her return to Brockport, Smith-Charlton spent 13 years with UR Medicine Sports Medicine, where she provided athletic training outreach and evaluated and treated patients in clinical settings. She also mentored athletic training students and sports medicine fellows and contributed to departmental leadership initiatives. Prior to her time at UR Medicine, she spent eight years performing outreach through Amsterdam Memorial/St. Mary's Healthcare.

Her previous experience as an Athletic Training Program Coordinator further strengthened her background in staff supervision, scheduling, budgeting, and contract oversight.

A 2002 graduate of SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (Athletic Training concentration), Smith-Charlton holds National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification credentials and is a licensed athletic trainer in New York State. She also holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Jefferson Community College (1999). She currently resides in Irondequoit with her wife, Rachel, and their two dogs.