Athletic Trainer

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Bri Nelson
Bri Nelson
Bio
Brianne “Bri” Nelson (maiden name Sturgeon) was appointed as the head athletic trainer at Penn State Fayette during the Spring 2024 semester. As of August 2025, she has officially become a part of Penn State’s staff. Additionally, Bri serves as an adjunct professor for KINES 88, manages the fitness center working with work study students, and oversees the athletic facility schedule. Furthermore, she is the USCAA representative on the Intercollegiate Council of Sports Medicine (ICSM).

 

In 2025, Bri graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology from Kent State University. She transitioned to PSF after her previous placement at Hempfield Area High School in July of 2023. 

 

Before moving home to Irwin, PA to begin employment with Independence Health System (formerly Excela Health), from June of 2021 to June of 2023, Bri was employed by Geisinger Health System. While there, she spent her time at Mifflin County School District in Lewistown, PA caring for athletes grades 6-12 and acting as preceptor for Penn State’s athletic training program. She also assisted physicians with patient procedures / care at Geisinger Grays Woods Hospital in State College, PA. She was named a mental health lead for the West Region and assisted in creating hospital wide mental health initiatives. In addition, Bri was an active member of the education committee and journal club. Bri was also heavily involved with Geisinger’s community outreach. She was a liaison between multiple Geisinger hospitals and Woodward Camp (extreme sports camp), assisted with co-ed 8U to 16U single game and tournament play for State College Youth Ice Hockey, and helped at The Centre with co-ed elementary and high school basketball.

 

Bri graduated from Lock Haven University (LHU) with a Master of Science in Sports Psychology (with a 4.0 GPA) in May of 2021. During her graduate assistantship at LHU, Bri served as a preceptor of the athletic training program and the lead COVID-19 rapid antigen tester / contact tracer for the athletic department. Due to the pandemic, she spent most of her time treating athletes on an appointment basis in various athletic training facilities. She worked with all athletes, but her primary sport assignment was baseball.

 

In May of 2020, Bri graduated from The Pennsylvania State University - University Park with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and minor in psychology. Besides studying, Bri was a teaching assistant (TA), resident assistant (RA), first chair soprano 1 in the University Choir and Sine Nominee Choir, PSU Homecoming Security Committee lead, and much more. Some of her favorite memories include winning a Big 10 championship with the women’s soccer team and being on Beaver Stadium’s field with James Franklin / giving him high-5s.

 

After spending 4 years at University Park, she is a very proud alumnus and bleeds blue and white. Presently, Bri continues to mentor Penn State students as a kinesiology supervisor, College of HHD mentor, PSU FastStart mentor, and alumni round table presenter. 

 

In her free time, Bri enjoys traveling (especially to the beach), photography, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Bri currently resides in Hunker, PA with her husband, Tyler, and corgi, Nittany.