Donald Schaefer, MA, LAT, ATC

Donald was raised in Naples, FL. He attended Naples High School where he played baseball and swam. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training through the College of Medicine. As a student at USF, he worked closely with the nationally ranked Football and Men’s Basketball programs.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Donald accepted a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer position at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL working with their Softball and Cross-Country teams. He was the primary care provider of the NCAA Regional-Qualifying Division I softball team. He implemented a shoulder and elbow injury prevention program for their position players and pitchers to reduce the risk for injury during the increased throwing demands of a softball season. He was responsible for performing initial injury evaluations of the athletes, developing rehabilitation protocols, making doctor/specialist appointments, and delivering treatments. He graduated from UCF with a master’s degree in Sport and Fitness in May 2012.

Following his time at UCF, Donnie spent 10 years as the Athletic Trainer at the Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, FL. He was the sole healthcare provider for a variety of sports teams at both the middle school and high school.  He was responsible for the initial injury response and evaluation of AHN’s student-athletes. He helped facilitate care by communicating injury exposures to parents, students, coaches, physicians and physical therapy providers. In addition, he developed rehabilitation programs and a detailed Emergency Action Plan to ensure a rapid response in case of a medical emergency. In 2021, he was selected to be the athletic trainer for the 2021 FHSAA Class 3A Softball State Championship team. He also received a Tampa City Council Commendation in recognition of leadership, dedication, and commitment to youth sports.

Donnie began working for Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in August 2022.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids as well as friends and family. He also enjoys staying active and watching sports (Go Bolts, Go Bucs, Go Rays).

He is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and a Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer.