BOSTON – The Emmanuel College Department of Athletics and Director of Athletics Olivia Berry announced Monday the appointment of Anna Orfanidis to the position of Director of Sports Medicine, effective as of August 11. Orfanidis was most recently at the University of the Virgin Islands, an NAIA institution, as their Head Athletic Trainer before coming to Emmanuel.
While at the University of the Virgin Islands, Orfanidis was responsible for the care of the student-athletes of the institution's six sports, which included men's and women's programs in basketball, cross country, and track & field.
In addition to her responsibilities as Head Athletic Trainer, Orfanidis overhauled the policies and procedures of the Sports Medicine department, including implementing an electronic medical records system, creating a student-athlete handbook, and creating numerous rehab programs, among a host of other administrative responsibilities.
"What sets Anna apart is her unwavering commitment to student-athlete welfare through effective communication and holistic care," said Berry. "She understands that when our student-athletes face injuries, clear and compassionate communication between medical staff, coaches, academic advisors, and the students themselves is essential for optimal outcomes."
Orfanidis spent three years in Boston between two different stops at Boston University and Suffolk. As a member of the Terriers organization from 2022-2024, Orfanidis worked with the women's open weight rowing and club basketball teams as an athletic trainer. She was also an athletic trainer at Suffolk the prior year, working with women's volleyball, women's ice hockey, and baseball.
"It's with deep gratitude and excitement that I begin my journey as Director of Sports Medicine at Emmanuel College," said Orfanidis. "This role is more than a title—it's a commitment to the well-being, growth, and success of every student-athlete we serve. With a foundation in clinical care, healthcare administration, and a strong belief in evidence-based practices, I'm passionate about building a sports medicine department where communication is clear, compassion is constant, and care decisions are grounded in research and proven outcomes."
Orfanidis is a certified athletic trainer with licensure in Massachusetts. She is CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified, a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), and is dry needle certified, master dry needle in structure and function.
She graduated in 2018 from Springfield College with a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training, concentrated in Pre-PT. She went on to earn her master's degree from Sacred Heart University in 2021, in Business Administration, concentrated in Healthcare Administration.
