WASHINGTON – In the interest of continuing to improve the student-athlete experience, American University Athletics, under the leadership of Director of Athletics & Recreation Dr. Billy Walker, has created one new position and is announcing hires for two other roles as well.
 
Natalie Rogers, who previously held the title of Associate AD for Student-Athlete Well-Being, is now the department's Associate AD for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) while also serving as the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). Katie Benoit, who spent two years at American from 2014-16 in an athletics development role, has returned to take over as Associate AD for Student-Athlete Well-Being. Samantha Raso, who has been on the athletic training staff since 2014, has now been named the Assistant AD for Sports Medicine.
 
"We are thrilled to be able to more effectively take advantage of the tremendous leadership of Natalie, Katie and Sam," said Dr. Walker. "Not only will they continue to make our department better, but they will also serve our wonderful student-athletes with a deep passion for intercollegiate athletics. These are critical positions in our department, and I couldn't be more excited than to have Natalie, Katie and Sam leading the way." 
 
Rogers was hired at American in September, 2020, spending nearly two years in her initial role before making the transition to DEI. In addition to her duties as a sport administrator, she'll now focus on continuing her efforts to create a culture of inclusion. In her role, Rogers will be responsible for supporting, developing, managing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion strategies that promote and foster an accessible, welcoming and affirming environment.
 
"I am excited to transition into my role as the Associate AD of DEI/SWA at American," said Rogers. "Being able to focus my attention in the DEI space will help staff, coaches and student-athletes continue to move toward a more inclusive athletics department. I'd like to thank Dr. Walker for creating this new position to lead DEI efforts within the department ensuring that we continue to build a culture in which diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded throughout the recruitment, development and performance of our staff, coaches and student-athletes."
 
Rogers has 19 years of experience in providing program direction, innovation and coordination for athletic organizations and institutions of higher education. Prior to American, she worked for the United States Tennis Association, the NCAA, and Howard University. Rogers was a Division I tennis player at the University of Michigan and has been a head tennis coach at two NCAA intercollegiate institutions. She earned her bachelor's degree in political science from UM, and her master's in sports leadership from Duquesne.
 
Six years after her first stint in Athletics at American, Benoit returned to take on the role of Associate AD for Student-Athlete Well-Being in July, 2022. She came back after six years at Western Colorado University where she most recently served as Associate AD and Senior Woman Administrator.
 
As Associate AD for Internal Operations and Compliance/SWA at Western Colorado, Benoit oversaw all aspects of NCAA compliance and served as the sport supervisor for men's and women's cross country and track & field as well as women's swimming and diving. She served on a number of committees within both the university and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
 
"I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to come back to American University to work with such phenomenal student-athletes and amongst the great coaches and staff already in place," said Benoit. "I am beyond grateful to Dr. Walker and everyone who participated in the search and look forward to serving the student-athletes in this role."

In her time at Western, Benoit helped lead three of the highest grossing MAA Crab Feed efforts in history as well as the three highest grossing golf tournaments in Western history. Additionally, she started other development programs and activities with Western's teams while also overseeing the Mountaineer Athletic Association and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
  
Benoit's prior experience in addition to her time at American includes a three-year stint as the Assistant Director of Development, Special Events at Northeastern University in Boston. She earned her master's degree in sports leadership from Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies, and her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Rochester.  

Raso first joined the AU Athletic Training staff in July of 2014. Most recently the Associate Athletic Trainer, she will now head up a department with one associate and five assistant athletic trainers as the Eagles now have seven full-time positions in sports medicine to better serve the student-athletes of the 16 varsity sports along with cheer and dance. Raso has primarily worked with AU's women's lacrosse and field hockey programs.
 
"Stepping into this leadership role, I hope to be a strong advocate for patients, my staff, and the profession of Athletic Training," said Raso. "I'm looking forward to growing the Sports Medicine department to better serve the needs of our student-athletes."
 
Raso came to American from the University of Connecticut where she worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer. She earned her bachelor's degree in athletic training from Northeastern University in 2011, and her master's degree in kinesiology from the University of Connecticut in 2014.