Jennifer Lupo-Northrup stands out as a dedicated and highly respected professional in the field of sports medicine. As the Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine at Cal State LA, she is at the forefront of ensuring the health and wellness of the university’s student-athletes. Her leadership is pivotal in fostering a supportive and health-conscious environment for young athletes striving for excellence. In a significant move to enhance athlete care, Lupo-Northrup is currently collaborating with Dr. Jeffrey Su, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, to co-direct the Performance, Physical Therapy & Wellness (PPTW) program. This innovative program integrates physical therapy services into a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach designed to maximize student-athlete success, emphasizing holistic well-being.
Lupo-Northrup’s promotion to Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine in November 2021 is a testament to her years of dedicated service and expertise. Prior to this, she served as the Head Athletic Trainer starting in December 2020, and her journey at Cal State LA began in 2008 as an assistant athletic trainer. Her consistent progression within the university underscores her commitment to the institution and its athletic program.
A committed member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Lupo-Northrup’s professional credentials are robust. She holds national certification from the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer and is also certified by the Association of College and University Educators, highlighting her dedication to both practical skills and academic excellence. With over two decades of experience in collegiate athletics, her expertise is both broad and deep, making her a valuable asset to Cal State LA and the wider sports medicine community.
Her career trajectory includes significant roles at other Californian universities. She began building her career at Cal State Bakersfield, where she not only earned her Master’s degree but also served as an assistant athletic trainer for the Roadrunners from 2002 to 2004. During this time, Cal State Bakersfield was a respected member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association, providing Lupo-Northrup with experience in a competitive athletic environment. Following her tenure at Bakersfield, she moved to Cal Poly Pomona, where she continued to develop her skills as an assistant athletic trainer for the Broncos from 2004 to 2008. Her primary responsibilities at Cal Poly Pomona were focused on volleyball and baseball teams, giving her specialized experience with a variety of sports and athlete needs.
Beyond her university commitments, Lupo-Northrup has also contributed her medical expertise to high-profile extreme sports events. She was part of the ESPN medical staff for the X Games from 2007 to 2009, and in 2012, she served with the XMED medical staff for Red Bull FMX. These experiences in high-pressure, dynamic environments further demonstrate her adaptability and skill in sports medicine.
In addition to her practical work, Lupo-Northrup has contributed to academia as an adjunct faculty member in the Kinesiology department at Cal State LA. Notably, she developed the curriculum and served as the instructor for the “Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries” course, shaping the next generation of professionals in her field.
Rooted in California’s Central Valley, Jennifer Lupo-Northrup’s educational foundation is strong. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, with a minor in Psychology from Fresno State, and her Master of Science degree in Administration, Health Care Management from Cal State Bakersfield. This blend of scientific knowledge and administrative acumen makes her exceptionally well-suited for her leadership role at Cal State LA.
Outside of her demanding professional life, Lupo-Northrup enjoys traveling and cherishes time spent with her family. This balance between a high-achieving career and personal life underscores her well-rounded approach to wellness, a philosophy she likely brings to her work with student-athletes. Jennifer Lupo-Northrup’s ongoing contributions to sports medicine and student-athlete care solidify her reputation as a leader and expert in her field.
