By Katie Scott, MS, ATC, CAE
Every year, NATA celebrates the contributions and achievements of our members through the Honors and Awards Program. These prestigious accolades recognize ATs who have shown extraordinary commitment to the profession and association as well as their peers and communities.
As a profession rooted in teamwork, recognizing each other’s accomplishments is not only a powerful affirmation but also an essential part of professional growth and development.
Recognizing one's peers is a vital aspect of professional development and community building.
“NATA provides a unique opportunity for an AT to nominate another peer for a national award,” said NATA Honors and Awards Committees Chair Pete Koehneke, MS, ATC. “These awards recognize the contributions individuals have made to the AT profession that are many times unnoticed by others as their impact becomes lost in our everyday jobs and life."
Peer recognition validates the efforts and achievements of individuals and strengthens the bonds within the athletic training community, driving the profession forward.
Keep reading for more insight into NATA’s national honors and awards, including the importance of peer recognition and encouraging members to nominate themselves or their peers.
NATA Hall of Fame
Eligibility:
- NATA member in good standing
- 30 years BOC certification or retired certified with initial certification of at least 30 years prior to award year
- 30 years membership in NATA
- No other award, NATA or otherwise, is a prerequisite for eligibility
Induction into the NATA Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of recognition within NATA. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the profession, shaping its future through leadership, clinical expertise and unwavering dedication.
"The NATA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have achieved distinct excellence in the profession, renowned for their contributions at the district, national and international levels," said NATA Hall of Fame Committee Chair Nancy Burke, MS, AT Ret.
NATA Hall of Fame members are role models who inspire and guide the next generation of athletic trainers. To date, 350 athletic trainers have been inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame. They have shaped the profession through their noteworthy accomplishments and dedication to service, leadership and professionalism.
Eve Becker-Doyle Leadership Award
Eligibility:
- NATA member in good standing, either active or retired
- 40 years of NATA membership
- No other award, NATA or otherwise, is a prerequisite for eligibility
The Eve Becker-Doyle Leadership Award is the highest honor given to an NATA member specifically for outstanding leadership and volunteerism within NATA. The award recognizes one member of the association who has shown a lifetime of leadership. The award is named after former NATA Executive Director Eve Becker-Doyle, who was a pivotal figure in the association's growth and success.
“Eve was the right leader at the right time to push the profession for the recognition and respect that remains intact today.” Koehneke said.
This award recognizes leaders who embody her vision, dedication and impact on the profession.
“Eve is an intentional leader, and she truly cared about NATA and its members as well as the profession of athletic training,” said NATA Specialty Awards Committee Chair Kim Detwiler, DAT, ATC.
Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award
Eligibility:
- NATA member in good standing
- 20 years BOC certification
- 20 years membership in NATA
- No other award, NATA or otherwise, is a prerequisite for eligibility
The Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer (MDAT) Award is among the highest honors given by NATA. It recognizes athletic trainers who demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, advocacy and outstanding professional achievements. MDAT exclusively recognizes NATA members who have been involved in service and leadership activities at the national and district level.
Katie Breedlove, PhD, LAT, ATC, chair of the MDAT Committee, said MDAT celebrates those "who exemplify unwavering leadership, selfless volunteerism, tireless advocacy and remarkable professional achievements on the district and national stages."
Athletic Training Service Award
Eligibility:
- NATA member in good standing
- 20 years BOC certification
- 20 years membership in NATA
- No other award, NATA or otherwise, is a prerequisite for eligibility
The Athletic Training Service Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession through their service and leadership at the state and local levels.
“The Athletic Training Service Award illustrates dedication and commitment to service and leadership at the state and local level,” said Service Award Committee Chair Bob Casmus, MS, LAT, ATC. “This grassroots advocacy lays the groundwork for our profession to grow to a higher level.”
ATSA recipients have been involved in professional state associations, city or town organizations, grassroots public relations efforts and community service as a volunteer athletic trainer.
Gail Weldon Award of Excellence
Eligibility:
- NATA member in good standing
- 15 years BOC certification
- 15 years membership in NATA
- May not be nominated in consecutive years
The Gail Weldon Award of Excellence, named in honor of Gail Weldon, a trailblazer for women in athletic training, recognizes her pioneering contributions. Weldon was the second woman to join NATA and among the first 10 women certified as an athletic trainer. She made history as the first female athletic trainer hired by the U.S. Olympic Committee, serving in various key roles, including director of athletic training and physical therapy for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Weldon also founded Women's TRACC, demonstrating her commitment to advancing opportunities for women in athletic training.
This award recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced the role of women in the profession.
“Gail Weldon was a trailblazer for women in athletic training ... a champion for female athletic trainers, and is a big reason why women are so successful in this profession today,” Detwiler said.
The award honors those who carry forward her legacy of mentorship, care and advocacy.
NATA Fellows
Eligibility:
- NATA member in good standing
- 10 years BOC certification
- 10 years membership in NATA
- Have held a terminal degree for 10 or more years
- Sustained involvement in the dissemination of research through free communications and/or general program presentations at the NATA convention during the 10 years preceding application
- Demonstrated development and leadership of a research agenda, extending beyond serving as a contributor, resulting in the scholarly dissemination of work resulting in noteworthy impact on the athletic training profession
The NATA Fellows distinction recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the profession through research, scholarship and leadership. Fellows are thought leaders who push the boundaries of the profession, advancing athletic training through their work. They represent the highest levels of expertise and dedication, setting benchmarks for others to follow.
AOSSM’s Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award
In collaboration with the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), the Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award honors athletic trainers who have made a significant impact in sports medicine. It celebrates those who demonstrate excellence in clinical practice, research, education and leadership. This award underscores the vital role ATs play in the broader sports medicine community. Nominations for this award are submitted by the NATA Board of Directors.
Gatorade’s Tim Kerin Award for Excellence
The Tim Kerin Award for Excellence, sponsored by Gatorade, honors the memory of Tim Kerin, whose dedication to the profession set a high standard for others to follow.
“Each year an athletic trainer earns this recognition is another year we celebrate Tim’s finest qualities: service, dedication and integrity,” Gatorade said. “So many years later, to see the impact that Tim Kerin still has on the athletic training profession is truly incredible.”
Honorary Membership
NATA Honorary Membership is bestowed upon individuals who aren’t athletic trainers but have made significant contributions to the profession and association. This award highlights the importance of collaboration and support from other professionals and advocates, acknowledging those who have advanced athletic training through their unique efforts and perspectives.
Jack Weakley Award of Distinction
Named after Jack Weakley, a staunch advocate for athletic training, the Jack Weakley Award of Distinction honors individuals who aren’t athletic trainers but have demonstrated a commitment to the field of sports medicine and the advancement of athletic training.
“Jack Weakley's contributions to the field of sports medicine improved the quality of health care provided to patients by athletic trainers in such a meaningful way,” Detwiler said.
This award celebrates those who continue Weakley's legacy of leadership and advocacy.
Take Action: Nominate Today!
Athletic trainers are part of a community that thrives on collaboration, support and mutual respect. By nominating yourself or a deserving peer for one of these prestigious NATA awards, you play a critical role in honoring and uplifting the accomplishments that often go unnoticed.
As 2011 pro-bowler and Fresno State alum Ryan Matthews said, “Recognition is the mirror reflecting back the beauty and worthiness we often fail to see in ourselves.”
Don’t hesitate – nominate today and be part of celebrating excellence in our profession. Together, we are stronger and, together, we can continue to push the athletic training profession forward.
Visit the Honors and Awards webpage for more information and to submit a nomination.
