While student-athletes are at the forefront of college athletics, the community of staff that supports them are the backbone of each program. At NYU, this comes down to the athletic training team: the coaches, student workers and faculty that oversee student-athletes’ health and wellbeing. This department is led by Matthew Devens, whose positive attitude and genuine care for his athletes have improved their quality of life on and off the court, field and track.

Affectionately nicknamed “Matty Devs,” students and staff alike rave about Devens’ contributions to both the athletic department and their lives. Athletes have said that he “holds down the fort” for the athletics department and credit him with much of the NYU Athletics’ recent success.

Devens is currently pursuing a master’s in health administration at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and says it’s important for him to keep up with education to provide the highest standard of care for his athletes. He has worked for NYU Athletics for over a decade, starting in 2014 as an athletic trainer and was promoted to his current position — head athletic trainer and assistant athletic director for sports medicine — last May. Devens told WSN that he is excited to “take the lead at such an important time for the department’s success.”

Brett Longobucco, NYU’s head strength and conditioning coach, has been working closely with Devens for four years and attributes Devens’ passion for athletics and dedication to student-athletes as key factors in his success.

Athletic trainers are the “primary medical care person” and sideline physical therapist for every athlete, according to Devens. He primarily works with the men’s and women’s cross country, women’s basketball and men’s soccer teams, and ensures he meets each player when they join as first-years.

“We see them through every practice, every game and every injury,” Devens said. “The rewarding thing for us is to watch them come back from injury and perform at a high level again. All of that is physical, but there’s a huge mental capacity there, too. We manage and point them in the right directions for the resources and help along the way.”

Devens is particularly proud of the women’s basketball team who won the NCAA championship last season — a longstanding goal of many of the players. His respect for these athletes is palpable as he works from the sidelines. He prioritizes his work during the games, but one can’t help but notice his pride.

“He takes a person-first approach, which may seem obvious but it isn’t always,” Longobucco said. “He cares about them as people first and foremost, and asks how he can help them achieve their goals.”