HAMILTON – Leslie Cowen is in her second year as Colgate's Director of Sports Medicine and in her 13th year overall with the Raiders.

Cowen serves as the athletic trainer for men's basketball and field hockey. During her tenure, Cowen has handled administrative duties and served as the unit's emergency and insurance coordinator. She previously assisted with the rowing teams, the women's soccer program from 2008-12 and the women's basketball program from 2008-10.

Prior to Colgate, Cowen had a two-year stint at Arizona State University, where she was an interim athletic trainer for women's basketball in 2008 and a graduate assistant athletic trainer from 2006-08. She was alongside the Sun Devils as they made a run in the NCAA tournament.

While at ASU, she also earned her master's degree in recreation and tourism management. Besides going to school, Cowen worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer with the primary responsibility of covering football. In 2008 the Sun Devils shared the Pac-10 Conference championship. She also coordinated the student payroll and travel accommodations.



Cowen is a 2006 graduate of Michigan State University. She worked as an athletic training student for the Spartans for four years while earning her bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a specialization in exercise science and athletic training.

A Michigan native, Cowen also holds a certification as an American Red Cross CPR and AED Instructor for both Professional and Lay Responder Graston M1 Technique.

Let's get to know Leslie Cowen, our latest Guardian of the Gate presented by Community Memorial Hospital.


 
An influential person or people in my career or life: "Bryce Nalepa, my supervisor at ASU while I was a GA. He was a great example of hard work but also finding ways to enjoy the grind."
 
An idea or invention I wish I had thought of: "Size-adjustable clothing for those days you might eat too much, called 'schmedium' (eventual patent pending)."
 
What I love about my job: "Daily interactions with the students-athletes and helping them achieve their goals on the court or field. They make me smile."
 
What I like about competing: "Watching our student-athletes get rewarded for all their hard work. I am extra proud when student-athletes who suffered injuries excel because it helps them realize that all their hard work paid off."
 
What is one way you hope to impact or maybe you have impacted Colgate Athletics in your role? "I always want to make sure student-athletes understand the importance of taking care of their minds and bodies. I hope they will remember treatments and discussions we had after graduation and carry them with them through life."
 
What does it mean to you to be an inclusive community of competitive excellence? "It reminds me that in our department, we are colleagues, we are a community that takes care of every member, and we will work hard to achieve our goals."
 
What makes March your favorite month: "Not only is it March Madness, but it's also National Athletic Trainer's Month and I get to shout out to the whole Sports Med staff!"
 
When not at my place of competition or the office, you can often find me … : "The golf course in the summer."
 
Miscellaneous Favorites
Possession: "My home. I bought it early in my career and I'm proud of all the renovations I have done."
TV Show: "Friends. It's my ritual every pre-game."
Gadget: "iPad window attachment that holds my iPad to watch movies on the bus hands-free. Game changer."
Food: Bread and cheese
Quotes: "Rule #1: Don't get old." and "You can't break the ceiling if you can't raise the ground."