University of Arizona Athletics

Luke Passalacqua joined the University of Arizona Sports Medicine staff in March of 2022 to help assist the Cross Country and Track and Field programs.

Before working at the University of Arizona, he worked at Purdue University as an Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Cross Country and Track and Field programs from 2018-2022. While at Purdue University, he helped the men’s cross-country program make it 4 straight national championship meets. He also assisted in providing the Big 10 conference guidelines for COVID-19 testing protocols for Big-10 championships for both the Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field seasons in 2020. He has a passion for advocating for student athlete’s mental health and wellness. His major interests in the field of sports medicine include the management of lower extremity chronic injuries and manual therapy techniques.

Luke is certified in Graston Therapy Technique, Dry Needling SFDN1 and SFDN2, Rock Tape Cupping/Myofascial Decompression, and Rock Tape Kinesiology Taping. Luke started his career as an Athletic Trainer in 2017 as a Arizona Wildcat assisting with the 2017 football team that went to the Foster Farms Bowl in San Francisco.

Luke earned his Master’s Degree in Athletic Training back in 2017 from Northern Arizona University. He also obtained his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in 2012 from Northern Arizona University. Other fun facts about Luke is that he enjoys traveling and hiking. He has also worked as a Commercial Salmon Fisherman in Bristol Bay Alaska for 4 years.

He also enjoys spending time with his family and staying active.
Other AT Experiences:
• University of Arizona SAS 101: Guest Lecturer
• Festival Volleyball Tournament Athletic Trainer 2023-2024

Certifications:
• Board of Certification (BOC)
• NATA Member
• AZ State Licensed Athletic Trainer
• CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer Instructor