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CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu; (518) 629-7898 or (518) 416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Thursday, October 2, 2025

Athletics Names Michael Plaisance as Head Athletic Trainer

Hudson Valley Community College’s director of athletics, Justin Hoyt has announced the appointment of Michael Plaisance as the new Head Athletic Trainer. Plaisance, a certified and state-licensed athletic trainer with extensive experience in collegiate and professional sports officially began his role on October 1, 2025.

Plaisance arrives at Hudson Valley with a strong background in sports medicine and athlete care. Most recently, he served as a Certified Athletic Trainer at St. Peter’s Sports and Spine in Latham, where he provided athletic training services for the Albany Firebirds professional arena football team and the Tri-City ValleyCats minor league baseball organization. In addition, he has supported a wide range of patients alongside physical medicine and rehabilitation providers, assisting with procedures, treatment plans, and exercise programming.

Prior to that, Plaisance was an Assistant Athletic Trainer at The College of Saint Rose (2019–2022), where he cared for more than 400 student-athletes across multiple NCAA Division II programs. During his tenure, he was instrumental in implementing COVID-19 safety protocols and was honored with the 2021 Human Resources Employee Recognition Award for his perseverance, flexibility, and dedication to student-athlete health.

Plaisance is no stranger to Hudson Valley, having served as a per diem athletic trainer for the Vikings since 2023, working closely with student-athletes on injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.

“Michael’s commitment to student-athlete health and his experience at both the collegiate and professional levels make him a tremendous addition to our staff,” said Justin Hoyt, Director of Athletics. “We are excited to welcome him into this leadership role and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our programs.”

A graduate of Castleton University with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Health Science, Plaisance holds Board of Certification (BOC) certification and is a New York State Registered Athletic Trainer. He is also trained in concussion management through the CDC’s HEADS UP program and is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).

“I am extremely excited to have accepted the position of Head Athletic Trainer and join the wonderful athletics department here,” said Plaisance. “The culture of community support here is one of HVCC's greatest strengths and I hope to build on these relationships with all the student-athletes, coaches, and staff.”

Plaisance continued, “My goal is to provide the highest quality health care that I can to every student-athlete to support their growth on and off the field.”