HILO, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Hilo Athletics has added athletic trainer Scott Pope as the newest member of the Vulcans Sports Medicine staff.

Pope is a seasoned veteran with over 30 years of athletic training experience in dozens of sports at varying levels, including having developed and implemented associate's degree programs from the bottom up at two collegiate institutions.

"I'm excited to get started on a new adventure. It's been a life-long dream to be able to live in Hawai'i," Pope said. "I look forward to working with the Vulcans student-athletes and coaches."

A native of California, Pope has served as an athletic trainer at the College of the Canyons, University of Montana-Western, Central Wyoming College and Southwestern University. Most recently, he worked in the Texas independent school districts of Sherman, Anna and S&S Consolidated.

Pope earned both a bachelor's in kinesiology and a master's in kinesiology – biomechanics at California State University, Northridge.

"Scott is a great addition to our Sports Medicine staff," Hawai'i Hilo Head Athletic Trainer Kensei Gibbs said. "He brings along many years of experience and can offer many different perspectives to provide a breath of fresh air. His open mind and eagerness to adapt and learn will enable us to grow in support of our student-athletes, coaches and their programs."

Pope began his duties last month, joining Gibbs and athletic trainer Kelsie Espiritu-Tanabe as part of the Hawai'i Hilo Sports Medicine department.