Jack J. Marucci

Jack Marucci was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2019.

A native of Uniontown, Pa., Marucci earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from West Virginia University in 1986 and his master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1988. He gained early professional experience with the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Alabama and later as an assistant athletic trainer at Florida State University from 1988 to 1996. While at Florida State, he was part of eight bowl trips and a national championship season.

In 1996, Marucci joined Louisiana State University, where he led the athletic training program for 25 years before being named director of performance innovation. During his LSU tenure, he oversaw athletic training operations for all 21 varsity sports, supervised training and nutrition staff, and played a central role in designing the Broussard Center for Athletic Training and facilities within the Football Operations Building. He was part of multiple Southeastern Conference championships and three national titles in football.

Marucci earned national recognition for his innovative approaches to athlete care and performance. He spearheaded programs that advanced concussion prevention, eye-tracking studies, and cognitive assessments, and he introduced new training technologies such as the robotic quarterback known as the “Seeker.” He also developed the #18 program, which honors leadership and character in LSU football and has been recognized in the College Football Hall of Fame. His research and applied work have influenced sports medicine nationally, with publications addressing ACL reconstruction, head trauma, and athlete performance analytics.

Beyond athletic training, Marucci is the founder of the Marucci Bat Company, which began as a backyard workshop and grew into one of the leading bat manufacturers in Major League Baseball. His bats have been used by numerous MLB All-Stars, MVPs, and World Series champions, helping establish the company as one of the fastest-growing brands in baseball and softball.

In recognition of his professional achievements, Marucci was awarded an honorary doctorate by West Virginia University in 2022.