Doug Boersma Obituary: Remembering Athletic Trainer & Coach

August 2024 · 3 minute read

Doug Boersma obituary is a testament to his life as a trainer and a coach.

The sports world mourns the unexpected loss of Doug Boersma, a revered athletic trainer and coach at Purdue University.

Boersma held various esteemed positions at the university, including director of sports medicine, associate athletics director, and senior associate athletics director.

Along with his impactful work at Purdue, his impressive contributions to the sports communities of Indianapolis, Bowling Green State, and Notre Dame universities have earned him a respected reputation.

Doug Boersma Obituary did not reveal the details of his sudden demise.

Purdue Athletics lost a beloved member of its family with the sudden passing of Doug Boersma on Wednesday, June 21. Doug, a Purdue alum ('97), selflessly served as senior associate athletics director for performance and sports medicine since returning to his alma mater in 2012. pic.twitter.com/mtUwfDY3Ti

— Purdue Athletics (@PurdueSports) June 22, 2023

The cause of death also remains unknown.

Early life and career

Douglas Boersma was born in Highland, Indiana.

He graduated from Purdue University in 1997 with a Bachelor’s degree in athletic training. 

Boersma later became a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

After completing a graduate assistantship, he obtained his Master’s in health promotion from the University of Kentucky in 1999.

Boersma began his coaching career at Notre Dame, where he worked as an athletic trainer.

During his time there, he developed an online injury tracking system, which was implemented by a South Bend, Indiana-based technology company. 

His success in creating this system led him to work as head coach for Kentucky University’s women’s and football squads.

Boersma was married to another Purdue alumna, Cari, and had three children named McKenna, Ashlyn, and Kayden.

Doug Boersma obituary: Contributions to Bowling Green State University

Boersma served as the chief athletic trainer for Bowling Green State’s football team since 2003.

He also worked as the deputy athletics director for sports performance from 2010 and the director of sports medicine since 2005. 

Besides his various responsibilities, Boersma taught as a part-time professor at Bowling Green State’s School of Human Movement, Sport, and Leisure Studies.

Boersma’s design and construction assistance also contributed to the development of two noteworthy Athletic centers, the Sebo Athletic Center and Stroh Center at Bowling Green, Ohio. 

Additionally, Boersma was the education coordinator for the Mid-American Conference Sports Medicine Association.

Working with Purdue University

Boersma assisted several of Purdue University’s sports teams as a student sports trainer, including baseball, men’s basketball, football, and women’s tennis. 

He later became an associate athletics director and served as the director of sports medicine, overseeing strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, and pre-hab programs.

Doug Boersma obituary: Awards and accomplishments

Boersma’s work and contributions have been appreciated and recognized in the sports industry. 

In 2008, Bowling Green State University’s athletic department honored him with the Roll Along Award, given to individuals who embody the university’s values of “18 sports – 1 team.” 

In 2010, Boersma received the Outstanding Administrative Staff Award from the university’s Division of Student Affairs.

It is granted to staff members who exhibit excellence in professional performance, teamwork, cooperation, and the spirit of working together.

Final thoughts

A revered figure in the sports industry, Doug Boersma devoted his career to leaving a positive impact on the field. 

His invaluable contributions to universities like Purdue, Notre Dame, and Bowling Green State have influenced the lives and careers of student-athletes and staff.

Sadly, Boersma’s sudden departure is a significant loss to the sporting community.

His tireless work, innovative ideas, and unwavering dedication to athletic excellence will always be remembered.

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