Long-Time Hopkins Athletic Trainer Don Bagnall Announces His Retirement

Don Bagnall–Director of Medical Services and Head Athletic Trainer for Sports Medicine–has announced that he will retire from Hopkins School following the 2022–2023 school year. Bagnall’s Hopkins tenure has spanned 41 years. 

“Hopkins is and has always been a family,” said Bagnall when he reached his 40-year milestone last school year. “The people here will do anything for each other. You can’t find that in most work environments.”

Bagnall has earned many honors in his storied career. As an Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Division Volunteer, he has worked at all three U.S. Olympic training centers. He has acted as clinical supervisor for SCSU and Quinnipiac University, and has served on numerous professional athletic training and sports medicine committees at the state, district, and national levels. Bagnall has also served as liaison to the Academy of Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine & Fitness., among many other roles. 

“Don is master of his craft and a consummate professional who continually raises the bar for Athletic Trainers and Medical professionals,” said Rocco DeMaio, Director of Athletics at Hopkins.

DeMaio, who first met Bagnall while a student at Hopkins, has seen the enormous impact he has had on students, faculty, and staff through the years.

“Don has embodied what it means to be part of the ‘Hopkins Family’ for over four decades,” said DeMaio. “His personable, dignified, and professional manner has enabled him to connect with and influence so many students during his tenure on the hill. His friendship, passion, and positive leadership will be impossible to replace,” he added.

Throughout his time at Hopkins, Bagnall has also served as a student adviser. In recent years, he was an  instrumental member of the team who helped steward Hopkins through the coronavirus pandemic. In any role at the School, Bagnall has continued to find ways to make students feel cared for in his company.

“There aren’t a lot of things more important in life than caring for kids when they need it most,” said Bagnall. "You are dealing with people at a stage in their lives when they face a lot of challenges, so taking the time to give them space, an ear, or a pat on the back is crucial.”