Buffalo, NY — Athletic training wasn’t just a passing interest for Solomon Campbell ’13—it was a calling rooted in his love of sports — and one that led him to a career with the championship football program at The Ohio State University in Columbus.
“I got hooked in high school after taking an athletic training class taught by a former UB athletic trainer. I was drawn to the ‘do it all’ nature of the profession from overall healthcare to building relationships in the athletic training room,” he said.
Campbell credits his Canisius University experience with equipping him to thrive as both an athletic trainer and a mentor.
“Developing athletes and young athletic trainers is what I enjoy the most. I deal with all types of students at Ohio State and have been involved in their clinical rotations. My personal experience taught me how to adapt to different learning styles and guide people toward their goals.”
Choosing Canisius was an easy decision for Campbell, thanks to the hands-on athletic training program’s outstanding reputation.
“Canisius has connections with all kinds of schools and organizations in the area. It felt like home when I visited the campus and took the tour,” continued Solomon.
Campbell knew it wouldn’t be easy, having to balance rigorous classes with the demands of clinical work. But he says he was fortunate to have incredible people in his corner who kept him grounded and focused.
“My mentors held me accountable and ensured I never took the easy way out in pursuit of my goals. I was lucky enough to have people like Pete Koehneke (Canisius Athletic Trainer 1978-2017), Andy Smith (Canisius' Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine 1996-2025), Paul Insalaco (current Canisius Athletic Trainer), and Shone Gipson (NFL athletic trainer) help me through the peaks and valleys of my career,” he said.
Campbell has carried that spirit of mentorship into his own life—especially now as a father. He says becoming a parent has given him deeper perspective when working with young athletes.
“You really start to learn how to meet people where they are, rather than think that they can understand what you want right away,” he said. His advice for current Canisius students is for them to keep their edge and creativity.
“Canisius is a place that allows you to really perfect the basics of your profession,” he added. “The experience is truly one of a kind. From its location in the heart of Buffalo to the distinctive structure of its core classes set up as attributes, you never know what you might need to draw on in the future from your philosophy, religious studies, or justice classes.”
He also advises students to take advantage of the built-in ways Canisius gives back to the community. “That's something that is hard to find the time to do in your profession. Make it a staple while young to preach it later in life,” he said.
Solomon Campbell ’13, is a member of NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association) and resides in Gove City, Ohio with his wife, Kelsey, and young son, Devin. During his time at Canisius he worked with men’s basketball, men’s soccer, softball and women’s lacrosse. He also interned with the Buffalo Bills and worked with UB football and track & field. He joined Ohio State in 2017.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
