Athletic Trainer Bios
Washington Nationals
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Director of Athletic Training

Paul Lessard

Paul Lessard, 57, was hired in November ’15 to be the Director of Athletic Training. He held the Head Athletic Trainer position with Cincinnati Reds (2010-15), Boston Red Sox (2005-09), and the Arizona Diamondbacks (1997-2005). He has an extensive background in collegiate sports, as well as professional sports. He was the Head Athletic Trainer at Holy Cross (1994-97) and Senior Athletic Trainer at Boston University (1988-94). Paul served as a Summer Intern Athletic Trainer for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons in 1985 & ’86, followed by 2 seasons with the New York Yankees affiliate in Fort Lauderdale, FL (1987 & ’88). A native of Stamford, CT, Lessard received an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from Northeastern University. Lessard’s hobbies include golf and motorcycling. Paul and his wife Lisa live in Charlotte, NC and have 3 daughters, Anne, Grace and Nicole, as well as a Granddaughter Natalie.

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Head Athletic Trainer

Dale Gilbert

Dale enters his ninth season with the Washington Nationals as an Athletic Trainer. He spent the previous five seasons from 2011-2015 with the Texas Rangers holding the positions as Medical Coordinator and Rehabilitation Coordinator (2011). Prior to that, he spent eight seasons from 2003-2014 with the Kansas City Royals serving several capacities and holding the positions of medical coordinator, rehabilitation coordinator, and athletic trainer. He began his baseball career with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization as an athletic trainer from 1997-2002. During his career he has worked in the Winter Baseball Leagues in Venezuela and Mexico, the Arizona Fall League, and Team USA. Gilbert graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Exercise Science/Physical Education with a minor in Spanish. He resides in Burke, Virginia with his wife, Susan, and daughter, Kiley.

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Assistant Athletic Trainer

Jon Kotredes

Jon Kotredes is entering his third year with the major league team, and 16th year overall with the Washington Nationals organization. Most recently as the Minor League Medical Coordinator for the past seven years. Prior to working with the Washington Nationals, Jon spent three years with the San Francisco Giants organization as a minor league athletic trainer. During his career he has served as an athletic trainer in the Puerto Rican winter league, and was the Team USA Athletic trainer for the 2018 MLB Futures game. Jon attended the University of Maine where he graduated with a degree of Kinesiology and Physical Education. A native of Bangor, Maine Jon and his wife Meghan and son Connor reside in Lake Worth, Florida.