Sports Medicine Welcomes Ruedas to Staff

RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Monday the hiring of Joshua Ruedas as an assistant athletic trainer.
 

Ruedas will oversee the women’s soccer, track & field/cross country programs at UTRGV. Prior to joining UTRGV, Ruedas spent his final year as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of South Carolina as the head athletic trainer at Mid-Carolina High School.
 
“We are very excited to add Josh to our sports medicine team,” Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Steven Kraus said. “He is a valley native that had a passion for coming home and working with the high-level athletes we have here at UTRGV. His passion and professionalism were evident throughout the interview process, and I think he will build quality relationships and provide efficient patient care to our student athletes.”
 

In his first year at South Carolina, he was the primary athletic trainer for the men’s tennis and men’s golf programs. He also assisted at summer camps for the football, women’s basketball, soccer, tennis, and track & field programs.
 

“I’m honored to step into my new role as an athletic trainer for women’s soccer and track & field/cross country at UTRGV,” Ruedas said. “This opportunity means so much to me—not just professionally, but personally—as I return to serve a community I care deeply about. I want to thank my mentors, peers, and especially my family for their constant support and encouragement throughout this journey. I’m proud to join the Vaquero family and look forward to the work ahead!”
 

Prior to his time at South Carolina, Ruedas spent four years with the University of Texas as an athletic training student where he provided coverage for their track & field, football, women’s soccer, and swimming & diving programs. He also completed a clinical education experience with Leander High School.
 
In the summer of 2022, Ruedas spent the summer with the Dallas Cowboys as an athletic training summer intern – student. In this role, he assisted in rehabilitation, treatment, and general medical services during the preseason and summer camp.
 
Ruedas earned his Master of Science in athletic training from South Carolina in May and his Bachelor of Science in athletic training from Texas in May 2023. He is also a member of the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.