MALIBU, Calif. - The Pepperdine University Department of Athletics announced today that Kevin Wright has been elevated to the position of Head Athletic Trainer. Wright has been an assistant athletic trainer for the Waves the past seven years.

"Kevin has proven himself as a quality practitioner and a strong administrator," Pepperdine Director of Athletics John Watson said. "His experience at Pepperdine and at other institutions has prepared him well for this role. I'm delighted that he will be serving in this position for us."

Wright is a 1996 graduate of Pepperdine, having earned a degree in sports medicine with an emphasis in athletic training.

"I'm very excited and thankful to the administration for having the faith and trust in my abilities," Wright said. "I'm looking forward with anticipation to continue to serve the medical needs of our student-athletes in this new position."

He went on to earn a master's degree in exercise and movement science from the University of Oregon in 1999. He is a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers Association.

Prior to joining Pepperdine's staff in the fall of 2002, he spent more than two years as the head athletic trainer at Christian Heritage College, an NAIA school in El Cajon, Calif. He also worked at the University of San Diego as an assistant athletic trainer in 2000, at Loyola University of Chicago as an intern in 1999 and at Oregon from 1997-99 as a graduate assistant.

He is married to Carrie (Romer) Wright, a former Pepperdine women's volleyball standout who is still active on the beach volleyball circuit. They have two children.