TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University athletic department announced changes to the athletic training department with Todd Yamauchi being promoted to head athletic trainer while Alex Dassoff was added as an assistant athletic trainer. 
 
Yamauchi enters his eighth year at PLU and is elevated to the head athletic trainer role after serving as an assistant for the past seven years. Yamauchi has made an impact on campus beyond the training room, serving as a PLU Active Bystander Trainer and Co-advisor of the PLU Na Hoaloha O Hawai'I Club since 2015. He has additionally been an active leader in his profession, serving as a local planning committee member for the North West Athletic Training Association and as co-committee chair of the Washington State Athletic Training Association Continuing Education Committee. 
 
"Todd has served as an assistant athletic trainer for the past eight years at PLU, and I'm excited about Todd serving as our new head athletic trainer. Through his engagement in our department, on our campus, and professionally in his field, he has prepared himself for this opportunity," said Athletic Director Laurie Turner.  "We'll continue to provide quality care to our student-athletes, and I look forward to Todd's creative and innovative initiatives to continue to support the student-athlete experience."
 
Prior to PLU, Yamauchi spent three years at Cascade Rehabilitation in Mukilteo, Washington. His stint with Cascade, included serving as head athletic trainer at Kamiak High School. Yamauchi served as the assistant athletic trainer at Division III Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania from 2005-2009 and was a graduate assistant at Western Oregon University from 2003-2005.
 
"I'd like to thank Laurie Turner and Jen Thomas for allowing me to serve the PLU campus in this new capacity," said Yamauchi. "I'm excited for my new role and the opportunity to make a positive impact not only in the athletic department but the entire PLU community."
 
A 2015 PLU graduate and a member of the Lute swimming team, Dassoff returns to campus with considerable experience. He recently served at ATI Physical Therapy, providing medical coverage at Clover Park High School. Prior to that, he has had experience working as an athletic training student at both the University of Southern California and the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers. Dassoff has additionally had stops with USA Volleyball, Godinez Fundamental High School (Santa Ana, Calif.), Santiago Canyon College (Calif.), and the Tacoma Rainiers.
 
"As a recent graduate of PLU, we're excited to have Alex back serving as an assistant athletic trainer. As a former student-athlete, Alex has first hand knowledge of what it means to be a Lute student-athlete and how to continue to enhance that experience," said Turner.