Chico State Athletic Training Staff

Meet Our Athletic Training Staff

Devin Tacla, MA, ATC

Head Athletic Trainer

Phone: 530-898-5873
Email: dtacla@csuchico.edu

Tacla joined the Chico State Athletic Training staff as a full-time assistant in the Fall of 2006 and in the Summer of 2023 he succeed retiree Scott Barker as the Wildcats' Head Athletic Trainer. Prior to Chico State he spent a year each working as the only athletic trainer at Notre Dame de Namur (2005) and as a staff athletic trainer in Sacramento State's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (2006).

He began his education at Santa Rosa Junior College where he earned his Associate of Arts degree in 1999. He transferred to Chico State and earned his Bachelor of Arts in physical education with an option in movement studies in 2002. He stayed at Chico State and earned his Master of Arts in kinesiology with an athletic training education option in 2004.

Tacla has been a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) since 2002. He is currently certified in CPR/AED and First Aid for the Professional Rescuer through the American Heart Association.

A lecturer in the department of Kinesiology since 2006, Tacla teaches Kinesiology 485-Seminar in Sports Medicine. The course is designed to explore the diseases and injuries typically encountered in sports and exercise. A native of Sonoma County, Tacla married his wife, Melissa, in 2016. They currently reside in Chico with their son Rocco and family dog Hazel.

Halie Hall, MA, ATC

Athletic Trainer
Phone: 530-898-5873
Email: hhall6@csuchico.edu

Hall joined the Athletic Training staff as a full-time assistant in May of 2019.

Hall returns to Chico State after graduating with her Master's Degree in Kinesiology in 2018 while she worked as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for two years under former head athletic trainer Scott Barker. After earning her Masters, Hall did a short stint with the Wildcats filling in as an emergency hire Athletic Trainer and has since transitioned into her role as a full-time staff member.

Prior to her years as a Wildcat, Hall attended Butte Community College earning her Associate Degree while working as a Student Athletic Trainer and participated as a student-athlete in the sport of softball. Hall later transferred to Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, where she enrolled in the Athletic Training Education program and finished her collegiate softball career while earning her Bachelor's Degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in athletic training in 2016.

ulian Buchanan, MA, ATC

Athletic Trainer
Phone: 530-898-5873
Email: jbuchanan3@csuchico.edu

Julian joined the Chico State Athletic Training staff as a full-time assistant in August 2024. He brings a strong educational and clinical background in athletic training, with experience across collegiate and professional sports settings.

Julian earned his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies—emphasizing Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Sociology—from San Diego State University in 2019. He later completed his Master of Science in Athletic Training, with a concentration in Biomechanics, at Point Loma Nazarene University in 2024.

During his graduate studies, Julian gained valuable hands-on experience working with San Diego State University’s football program, the San Diego Loyal Soccer Club, and MiraCosta Community College.

Alex Strauss, MA, ATC

Athletic Trainer
Phone: 530-898-5873
Email: astrauss2@csuchico.edu

Alexander Strauss joined the Chico State Athletic Training staff as a full-time ATC in the Fall of 2024. Prior to Chico State he was contracted to work the 2023/2024 season as the Head Athletic Trainer at Lassen Community College in Susanville, CA.

He began his education at Metropolitan University of Denver where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing in 2010. After some time spent working various business jobs, he decided to follow his passion and shift his focus towards sports science. This career change began by earning a Master’s degree in Kinesiology at University of British Columbia (UBC).

During his time spent at UBC, he worked as a teaching assistant for 2 prominent kinesiology professors. Simultaneously working as a short track speed skating coach, earning his US Speed Skating Level 3 coaching certificate.

Following this, Alex earned his second Master’s degree, this time in the field of Athletic Training at the University of Idaho, graduating in 2018. During this time he worked clinical rotations at: University of Idaho football, iSmart Orthopedic Clinic, University of Washington Crew/T&F, Southwestern University, among others. He is currently certified in CPR/AED and First through the American Heart Association.

Meet Our Team Physicians

Dr. Phillip Jones, M.D.

Dr. Phillip Jones, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Associates of Northern California,

131 Raley Blvd., Chico, CA 95928

Phone 530-897- 4500

John Gunel, D.O Headshot for ATC pages

John Gunel, D.O

Physician

WellCat Health Center - SHC 101

Phone: 530-898-5241

Chico State Athletics

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Chico State Athletic Training Staff