INDIANAPOLIS - Marian University is announcing a change in leadership in the Athletic Training Department, as Jen Burton has been promoted to Head Athletic Trainer. Burton replaces John Locke as the university's Head Athletic Trainer, with Locke transitioning to an administrative role as the Sports Medicine Coordinator. Burton's duties as Head Athletic Trainer begin on July 1.

"I am very honored and excited for this opportunity to be named as Marian's next Head Athletic Trainer," said Burton on her promotion to Head Athletic Trainer. "I am looking forward to working with all of our coaches, student-athletes, and administration in this new role, while continuing to elevate our athletic training services. I want to thank Steve Downing for his belief in me in this role, and I also want to thank Travis (Dillon), Caitlin (Elson), Boden (Miller), and Jack (Peters) for their belief in me to lead the room. Lastly, I would like to thank John Locke for setting a standard in our AT room, and I am excited to have him work alongside us as our Sports Medicine Coordinator."

Burton is beginning her 18th year at Marian University in 2024-25, and began working with the Knights in 2008-09 through Marian's former sports medicine partner (Ascension) St. Vincent Sports Medicine. Burton has also worked at Butler University and has covered multiple NCAA Championships in Indianapolis through St. Vincent Sports Medicine.

In her tenure, Burton has provided lead athletic training coverage for Marian in over 20 different NAIA Championship events, including seven NAIA Opening Round events as the lead medical director at Marian University. Among Marian's NAIA Championship events, Burton has been the lead athletic trainer or been on staff at four of Marian's seven NAIA National Championships, including the 2012 football championship, both the 2016 and 2017 women's basketball championships, and the 2019 volleyball championship.

Burton has also aided in Marian's athletic training coverage of five USA Cycling Track National Championships at the Major Taylor Velodrome. 

"I'm very excited to name Jennifer Burton as our next Head Athletic Trainer," said Director of Athletics Steve Downing. "Jen has been a great resource in our athletic training room, and is an extremely hard worker for our department. I know she has a great rapport and respect from our coaches, and will continue to advance the care and treatment of our student-athletes."

Burton has a bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State in Athletic Training and also has her Master's in Sports Performance from Ball State. Burton is a licensed Certified Athletic Trainer, and she resides in Avon with her husband Brian and children, Hunter and Addy.

MUKnights.com: Your online source for Marian Athletics, tickets, multimedia, Knight merchandise, photos and more.