WORCESTER -- WPI Head Athletic Trainer Mike DeSavage announced the hiring of Grace Brennan as a full-time member of the athletic training staff ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.
"I would like to welcome Grace to the WPI Athletic Training Staff," stated DeSavage. "Grace is coming from a standout athletic training undergraduate and graduate program at Springfield College. She has received outstanding recommendations regarding her work ethic and healthcare knowledge. I know that both myself and the rest of our staff are looking forward to working with her during the upcoming varsity sports seasons to provide exceptional healthcare to our student-athletes. I believe she has the skills and mindset to become a valuable athletic trainer here at WPI."
Prior to arriving in Worcester, Brennan served as a Resident Athletic Trainer at Springfield College, where she provided primary medical coverage for football, women's basketball, men's gymnastics and women's lacrosse while also assisting with men's basketball, baseball, swimming & diving, and track & field. She collaborated closely with physicians, strength and conditioning coaches, mental health professionals and fellow athletic trainers to provide comprehensive, student-athlete-centered care.
"I am incredibly excited to join the WPI campus community," remarked Brennan. "Growing up in Massachusetts, I have always been familiar with the WPI legacy of excellence. I cannot wait to work with the athletic training staff here, and I will strive to make a positive impact on an already impressive student body."
During her residency, Brennan specialized in injury prevention and evidence-based rehabilitation, utilizing advanced performance assessment technology while leading educational sessions on nutrition, sleep and mental health. She also served as both a teaching assistant and clinical preceptor in Springfield College's Master of Science in Athletic Training program.
"Grace is a tremendous addition to our department, and we are excited to see the impact she will have on the care of our student-athletes and the continued success of our athletic training staff," concluded DeSavage.
In addition to her collegiate experience, Brennan worked with the China Youth National Hockey Team, conducting functional movement screenings and developing individualized prehabilitation programs designed to reduce injury risk. She has also presented professionally on resilience, burnout prevention and athletic training case studies.
A native of Holyoke, Massachusetts, Brennan earned both her Bachelor of Applied Science in Clinical Exercise Science in 2022 and Master of Science in Athletic Training in 2024 from Springfield College. She is a Board of Certification (BOC) Certified Athletic Trainer and is licensed to practice athletic training in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
