HARRISONBURG, Va. – For the last 17 years, if you've attended an EMU athletics event, chances are you've seen Carleen Overacker on the sidelines.

Pre-game taping, in-game injuries or even tracking penalty minutes after a card, Overacker has done a little bit of everything in her role as athletic trainer with the Royals. But on April 22, after the final whistle blew in a women's lacrosse game against Ferrum, Overacker had worked her last game as an AT. After more than 20 years caring for student-athletes, she decided it was time for a change.

"Athletics is my life," Overacker said. "I enjoy teaching and caring for the student-athletes. Watching them return after a major injury or seeing them return on Alumni Weekend with their own family is a blessing."

Overacker came to EMU from fellow ODAC school, Hollins University, in the fall of 2006 where she acted as the associate athletics director for the Green and Gold from 2002 until her departure. She came to the Royals to work less hours so she could watch her own boys grow and excel in their activities and, according to former head AT Mike Downey, was a welcome addition to the Royals staff.

"Her athletic training, administrative and teaching skills were immediately put to beneficial use helping both EMU student-athletes and students," Downey said. "Her familiarity with the Old Dominion Athletic Conference was valuable in assisting traveling EMU teams as well as visiting athletes coming on campus at EMU. I enjoyed working with Carleen throughout our years together and appreciated her deep care and concern for all of the athletes and students she taught. Her connecting work with Health Services was also of immense help when athletes would need the services of the EMU Heath Center."

Fellow athletic trainer, Stephanie Roby, points to Overacker's holistic approach to care that made her such a successful AT.

"Carleen played an integral role in the Athletic Training department and has helped many athletes over the years," Roby said. "Not only did she help our student-athletes physically, but she took a holistic approach and cared for each one's mental and emotional health, as well. We will miss having Carleen in the athletic training room!"

In her time at EMU, she's not only cared for thousands of student-athletes, but has also been an instructor, teaching classes on health and safety, life wellness, athletic training, first aid and more. And, for four years, was a clinical assistant in the health center. So you could say, she's a Jill of All Trades.

"Carleen has done everything at EMU since my arrival," said Ian Smith, head athletic trainer. "For the past few years she has been an educator, an athletic trainer, and been able to manage the documentation tasks for our department. She has impacted many students, athletes, coaches, administrators, and athletic trainers going back to her time at Hollins. Words are not enough to describe what she has meant to EMU, the Athletic Training Department, and the ODAC. Carleen has more than earned this transition into the next phase of her career and I know she will enjoy the extra time spent with friends and family."

So fear not, while student-athletes may not see Overacker the next time they pop by the athletic training room, she won't be far away. Starting on July 1, she was named the administrative assistant for EMU athletics, assisting with the day-to-day operations of the department.

"We are excited to welcome Carleen into a new role in our department," said Director of Athletics Carrie Bert. "For over 17 years, EMU Athletics has benefited from her athletic training expertise and commitment to our coaches and student athletes. As administrative assistant, Carleen will support the work of our Athletic Training staff, the Athletics Communications Office, the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, and the Director of Athletics. Bringing years of college athletics knowledge to the table and awareness of the internal workings of our department allows her to make an immediate impact."

So while it's a new role for Overacker, it's really not. She's used to doing a little bit of everything for EMU athletics. Except now, there are no 6 am practices or triple-overtime games that go until the middle of the night. There's set schedules and dedicated family time, while still getting to be part of her EMU family too.