ADRIAN, Mich. -- After nearly a decade dedicated to Adrian College—as both a student-athlete and an athletic trainer—the Adrian College Athletics Department would like to extend a heartfelt farewell and thank you to Emily Baldus '21, who will be departing her Athletic Training position this summer for a new opportunity at the college athletics level. Emily is set to move on to Minot, North Dakota where she'll join the Minot State University Beavers as an athletic trainer.

Emily's journey with the Bulldogs began as an undergraduate student in 2017-18, where she studied exercise science and played four seasons for the NCAA Softball team. Baldus eventually earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2021 before continuing her education at Adrian to complete her master's degree in science-athletic training, where she graduated with her master's in 2022.

As a certified athletic trainer, Emily provided expert care and support for several Bulldog teams, including Men's ACHA Division 1 Hockey, Men's and Women's Wrestling, Men's Volleyball, and Acrobatics & Tumbling, among others. Her presence on the sidelines, on the bench, in the athletic training room, and during countless practices and competitions was marked by professionalism, compassion, and tireless dedication.

Her commitment to excellence and passion for athlete care was evident from the beginning, and over the last three seasons, she has played an integral role in the well-being and success of numerous athletic teams on campus. Baldus was also integral in the Men's ACHA Division 1 Hockey National Championship team in 2024 and the back-to-back Men's Wrestling MIAA Championships in 2023 and 2024, providing first-class care and support for the winning Bulldog student-athletes and coaches.

Emily's work ethic never went unnoticed. Whether it was early mornings, long road trips, or late-night treatments, she approached every task with a smile, steady hand, and a genuine concern for the student-athletes she served. Her commitment to Adrian College and its athletic programs has left a lasting impression on coaches, colleagues, and student-athletes alike.

"Emily has been an incredible asset to our athletic department—not only as a highly skilled and reliable athletic trainer, but also as a compassionate, steady presence for our student-athletes," said Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, Meg Sharp. "Her professionalism, work ethic, and genuine care for those around her set the standard in every space she entered. Emily will be deeply missed at Adrian College, but we are so proud of her and excited to see the impact she'll make at Minot State."

While it is bittersweet to see her go, we are excited to watch Emily take the next step in her career at Minot State University, where she will be primarily working with their Women's ACHA Division 1 Hockey program and assisting with Football, Women's Volleyball, Baseball, and Softball, among others. She will begin her new chapter on August 4, bringing the same high standards of care and professionalism that defined her time at Adrian College.

We extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes to Emily Baldus as she embarks on this new journey. Adrian College is better for having had her on our team and will miss her deeply. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.