DANVILLE, Va. -- Averett University assistant director of athletics for sports medicine Maria Ochoa unveiled the addition of Taylor Bertucci as an assistant athletic trainer on her staff.

Bertucci most recently completed clinical athletic training experience while at Division I University of Michigan in spring 2026. She assisted with the swim and dive, water polo, gymnastics, tennis, and the indoor track & field teams. Here, Bertucci performed various injury evaluations, assisted in event coverage, and performed therapeutic recovery interventions for athletes.

"I am excited to have Taylor on staff, and to see her flourish as an athletic trainer," Ochoa said. "Taylor's tenacity and dedication will be an awesome asset to our staff."

Preceding that, Bertucci gained athletic training expertise while at her alma mater in Oklahoma State University in fall 2025. She worked primarily with the track & field, cross country, and equestrian teams. Bertucci supported injury prevention, on-field care, therapeutic rehabilitation, and clinical documentation. She also has experience working in local hospitals and high schools as an AT assistant. 

Hailing from Agra, Oklahoma, Bertucci received her master of athletic training from Oklahoma State in 2026. She also completed her bachelor of science in exercise science, with a minor in athletic training from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2023.