KINGS POINT, N.Y. (July 28, 2025) – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy seventh-year athletic director Kristofer Schnatz announced on Monday that one of the longest-tenured employees currently in the athletic department Rob Alfheim will assume the role of Deputy Director of Physical Education and Athletics at the Academy. He officially began his tenure on Monday, July 28.
 
He steps into the role following the departure of long-time Deputy AD Capt. Bill Fell late in 2024. Alfheim has served as an Associate Athletic Trainer and as an NCAA Compliance Officer over the past year.
 
"I'm excited to officially welcome Rob into his new role as Deputy Director for Physical Education & Athletics" said Schnatz. "His leadership, institutional knowledge and deep commitment to the mission of our Academy and our department make him the ideal person to help guide our continued progress. Having served in numerous roles since 2004, he brings a unique perspective and steady presence that will strengthen our leadership team and enhance the experience of every midshipman-athlete."
 
After an internship at the Academy in 2001, Alfheim started full-time at KP in 2004 as an Assistant Athletic Trainer. He's served as an athletic trainer for the football, wrestling and women's lacrosse programs and has also overseen the evaluation, prevention and rehabilitation of athletic injuries across all varsity Mariner athletic programs. In addition to his athletic training duties, Alfheim is responsible for instructing all midshipmen in first aid and medical care provider courses as part of their U.S. Coast Guard licensing requirements.
 
"It's an incredible honor to accept the role of Deputy Athletic Director at the United States Merchant Marine Academy!" exclaimed Alfheim. "For the past 20 years, I've had the privilege of supporting our midshipmen as an athletic trainer – watching them grow, compete and lead with integrity. OUR Academy holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to helping shape the future of our athletics program while continuing to uphold the tradition of excellence that defines USMMA."
 
Prior to his tenure at Kings Point, Alfheim served as a graduate assistant at Northern Illinois University, where he earned a Master of Science in Education in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. During his time at NIU, he was responsible for the evaluation, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries across 16 Division I sports, with a primary focus on Women's Volleyball, Baseball, Football, and Wrestling.
 
While earning his bachelor's degree in Human Movement and Sports Science at Sacred Heart University, Alfheim gained hands-on experience as a student athletic trainer. He honed his skills working with the Football, JV Hockey, Baseball, Track, and Cross Country teams.
 
Licensed as an athletic trainer by the State of New York, Alfheim is certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) and holds multiple certifications through the American Red Cross, including as an instructor.
 
Alfheim currently resides in Sea Cliff, N.Y., with his wife Mary and their daughters, Alice and Violet.

Sign Up To Receive News For Your Favorite Team(s) Directly To Your E-Mail
If you would like to receive the latest news for your favorite USMMA Athletics Team(s), including all press releases, fill out this form.
 
Follow USMMA Athletics On Social Media!
Be sure to follow USMMA Athletics on social media to get up-to-the-minute updates on your favorite teams! Start following today on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!