Payton Raftery-Smith joined the University of New Haven sports medicine staff as an assistant athletic trainer, working with women's soccer and softball. She graduated from Sacred Heart University in May 2023 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a minor in psychology before earning her master's degree in athletic training in May 2025.
Raftery-Smith gained clinical experience with several programs at Sacred Heart, including softball, women's basketball and football. She also worked with Trumbull High School, providing athletic training services for football, volleyball, soccer, cheerleading, cross country and field hockey. During her clinical experience at New Haven, she worked with men's basketball, women's lacrosse and softball, assisting with injury evaluations, rehabilitation plans, emergency care and post-surgical ACL rehabilitation.
In addition to her athletic training experience, Raftery-Smith has worked in club sports and recreation at Sacred Heart, supporting facility operations, student supervision and club softball. She is a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association and holds certifications in basic life support and mental health first aid.
