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Long-time Georgia director of sports medicine, Ron Courson, moves on to new role

On3 imageby:Jake Rowe•about 12 hours•

JakeMRowe

Ron Courson Georgia
Photo: UGA Sports Communications

The man who had a hands-on role in helping hundreds of Georgia student-athletes recovery from injury is taking on a different role. The school announced on Friday that Ron Courson, the University of Georgia Athletic Association’s Director of Sports Medicine for the 30 years, will be Executive Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Health and Performance effective on February 1.

Courson’s last promotion came in 2021. Then he was named to an Executive Athletic Director position after previously serving in a senior role.

“Over the last three decades, Ron Courson and his department have set the standard for athletic training and sports medicine,” J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said.  “Ron has been a leader in his field, while serving the University of Georgia Athletic Association with grace and humility.  His accomplishments are many, but his greatest achievements are the countless individuals he mentored and the influence he had on so many of our student-athletes.  Thank you, Ron, for your friendship and your tremendous dedication to the Bulldog family.” 

“Ron’s contributions left an indelible mark on our program, ensuring his legacy as an innovator in athletic training and sports mental health and wellness,” said head coach Kirby Smart.  “The time, focus and attention that he put into our student-athletes was extraordinary and unmatched.  I could not be more grateful for the time I had working with Ron.”

Smart has referenced Courson’s name in numerous press conferences over the years, just as Mark Richt and Jim Donnan did before him. The Georgia head coach has often referred to “Ron” as the best he has ever been around when it comes to treating athletes and helping them recovery. The Alabama alum started his Georgia career in 1995.

He played a key role in helping Georgia and the Southeastern Conference navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He took on leadership responsibilities the sport worked its way through uncharted waters.

With Courson stepping away, two staffers will be taking on “expanded roles” per the university. Former Georgia walk-on and starting safety Connor Norman will serve as the Director of Football Sports Medicine while Ryan Madaleno will focus more on operations, staff, and the “day-to-day management of the football players’ health.’

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