NATM - Chris Lyver

March is National Athletic Training Month, this month we will be highlighting different athletic trainers that work with field hockey programs across all levels. 

The first athletic trainer that we would like to highlight during this month is Chris Lyver, MS, LAT, AT. 

Chris is currently the athletic trainer for the Sacred Heart University field hockey team. He also is the athletic trainer for the women’s basketball team and the 4x national champion cheerleading program. Chris started at Sacred Heart University back in 2015 when he first started working with the field hockey program. 

He received his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Endicott College in 2008 and then obtained a Master of Science in Sports Management from Robert Morris University in 2011. He also recently obtained a Graduate Certification in Brewing Science from Sacred Heart University. 

Anyone who has had the privilege of getting to work with Chris would quickly pick up on two things: his calm presence and his sarcasm. “Toph”, as his athletes call him, is a reliable person for the team and is always there for his athletes. 

“Throughout my 4 years on SHUFH we have gone through a lot of ups and downs, and many changes together as a team. That can take a toll on you, but the person who provided constant support for our team was Toph. Many days he was the glue that held us together.” said Christie Constantino, SHU ‘22. 

Constantino went on to say, “We are truly thankful for everything he does for us on and off the field, he is more than just an athletic trainer, he is a friend and someone we can rely on always.”

His reliability seems to be a recurring theme that his athletes bring up. Chris attends every practice, which seems like a normal job description, except that Sacred Heart plays about 30 minutes away at Yale and practices at 7:30 am. Despite the early practice time and traveling, Chris is there every morning ready to support his athletes. 

“He works consistently and diligently to ensure that we are getting the best resources we need to stay healthy throughout our busy lives as student-athletes,” said Megan Albert, SHU ‘25. 

Athletes also commented about his attitude and how he never gives up on his athletes. 

“He was with me through all the pain and injuries but never gave up. He encouraged me and gave me the strength to keep pushing. I couldn’t have done my field hockey career without him,”  said Liz Tosto, SHU ‘21. 

I think Megan Albert summarizes the team’s feelings towards Chris the best, “SHU Field Hockey cannot thank you enough!” 

*Photo Credit to Sacred Heart University*