RIVER FALLS, Wis. - UW-River Falls Director of athletic performance Carmen Pata announced he will be stepping down from his role at the end of the 2022-23 academic year to pursue other professional opportunities.
 
Pata, a 2000 UWRF alum, has served as a strength and conditioning coach at UWRF for the past 23 years. He was hired as an assistant strength and conditioning coach in 2000 and he was promoted to his current role as director of athletic performance in 2005.

During his time at UWRF, Pata mentored many former interns and staff members who have gone on to work in collegiate and professional sports, and he has also authored several books and articles related to athletic performance and coaching. Pata is a four-time NSCA College Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year award nominee.
 
"I would like to thank Coach Pata for his commitment to Falcon athletics over the past 23 years," said UWRF Athletic Director Crystal Lanning. "During his career, he impacted hundreds of Falcon student-athletes, and I am grateful for his leadership. I truly wish him all the best as he ventures into the next chapter."
 
A search for a replacement will begin immediately.