Ben Emke enters his 19th season at RIT and his 16th as the head athletic trainer in 2024-25. With a wealth of experience and expertise in athletic training, Emke plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of our student-athletes. In addition to serving as the primary health care administrator for the athletics department, he provides primary coverage for men's hockey and cheerleading, while assisting other teams and working in the training office.
Emke is a native of Belleville, Ill., and a graduate of Purdue University. At Purdue, he earned two bachelor’s degrees, in athletic training and exercise and fitness in 2002, and a master’s degree in sports pedagogy and administration in 2004. Shortly after receiving his master’s degree, Emke arrived in Rochester to work at University Sports Medicine. While there, he specialized in sports rehabilitation. In addition, Emke served as the head athletic trainer for Fairport High School.
Emke holds several certifications essential to his role, including being a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) through the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer. He is also a licensed Athletic Trainer in the State of New York.
Emke lives in Pittsford with his wife, Kelli, and their three children, Noah, Lauren, and Jason.
