YSU names deputy AD for Performance Excellence

Former National Athletic Trainers Association President Tory Lindley has been named deputy athletics director for Performance Excellence at Youngstown State University.

Lindley has nearly 30 years of athletic administration, healthcare administration, athletic training, staff management and empowerment experience. In his newly-created role, he will oversee the sports medicine, strength and conditioning, academic services areas while enhancing the performance nutrition and mental health services of all Penguins student-athletes. Lindley will also have sports oversight responsibilities.

“The background and experience that Tory brings to Youngstown State will be a huge benefit to all of our student-athletes, coaches and support staff,” YSU Executive Director of Athletics Ron Strollo said. “We look forward to him working diligently to make our student-athlete wellness areas cohesive units, but mainly making sure our student-athletes can compete at the highest levels and develop healthy lifestyles.”

A dual report to the Office of the Dean of Students, Lindley will also play a key role in developing partnerships across campus and in the community to enhance the student experience at YSU. “This new position clearly supports the mission and core values of Youngstown State University and the Youngstown State Athletic Department,” said Nicole Kent-Strollo, dean of Students. “I look forward to working closely with Tory as we continue to foster the physical, social and personal aspects of our student-athletes, both on and off the field.” 

Lindley was the 14th president of NATA from June 2018 to June 2021. In that capacity, he served as a spokesperson for the more than 35,000 members of the organization. He had general charge of the business of NATA while presiding at multiple members’ meetings as well as forging relationships with organizations like the NCAA, each professional sports organization, State High School Athletic Associations, the American Medical Association and American Physical Therapy Association.

“This is an incredible opportunity to further advance the student-athlete experience through advocacy and unyielding support of their academic and athletic goals,” Lindley said. “Beth and I are thankful for the trust and support provided by President (James) Tressel, Director Strollo and Dean Kent-Strollo in this unique leadership position. We look forward to joining the YSU family and Youngstown community.”

He has a vast background in collegiate athletics and was a long-time athletic trainer and administrator at Northwestern University. He was with the Wildcats’ Athletic Department from 2002-20, and most recently served in the capacity as the senior associate athletic director for Health, Safety and Performance.

He coordinated intercollegiate and university athletic training services working with the head team physician, supervisor of sports performance services, supervisor of performance nutrition services, and the supervisor of sports science services. He helped develop the mission, values, strategic plan and annual development goals in all units. He was also in communication with vice president for Athletics and Recreation, Athletics executive staff, sport coaches and additional department leaders to advance performance, health and safety.

Before moving into his senior leadership role, he was an associate athletic director and assistant athletic director. From 2002-17 he was the director of Athletic Training Services and Head Athletic Trainer while serving as the Head Football Athletic Trainer. During this time, he was named the 2012 NCAA Division I Head Athletic Trainer of the Year, NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer and 2016 inductee into the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame.

Additionally, he has been an Athletic Trainer at Eastern Michigan (2000-02), Michigan State (1996-2000) and Hamline (1993-96).

He has contributed numerous articles to journals and medical publications. He has also been all over the United States presenting at various conferences and universities on an array of clinical and leadership topics. Of note, he was a member of the NCAA’s COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee throughout last year.
Lindley has Bachelor of Science in Education with a Specialization in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training from Michigan State. He earned a Master of Arts in Healthcare Administration with an Emphasis in Biomechanics from the University of Minnesota in 1993.

Tory and his wife, Beth, have three grown children - Jonah, Evan and Genevieve.