TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University Athletic Department and Athletic Director Mike Snyder have announced the hiring of Melissa Charron as the Lutes' Head Athletic Trainer. 
 
"Athletic training is such a critical role in our department and Melissa's background is exactly what we need," said Snyder.
 
"Her previous experience both as a Division III student-athlete and her strong professional background along with her ties to the area all contribute to this being a great fit for PLU."
 
Charron joins the staff at PLU after serving the past three years at Division II Southwest Minnesota State University. Charron spent her first two years in Marshall, Minnesota as a graduate assistant for the Mustangs before being promoted to assistant athletic trainer for the 2022-2023 academic year.
 
"I'm so thankful for this opportunity to work as the Head Athletic Trainer at PLU," said Charron.
 
"I'm excited for the opportunity to return back home and become a part of the Lutes family! After meeting the student-athletes and the rest of the athletics staff, I knew immediately that PLU is the perfect fit for me."
 
Prior to SMSU, Charron spent two years as the head athletic trainer at White River High School in Buckley, Washington. Charron additionally has experience working with multiple teams at George Fox University and with the football program at Portland State University.
 
Charron graduated from George Fox with a bachelor's degree in athletic training and earned a master's of science in physical education from Southwest Minnesota State. While an undergrad at George Fox, Charron was a member of the Bruin softball team. 
 
Charron will officially start at PLU on June 5.