In honor of Black History Month in February, NATA Now is highlighting some of our Black leaders at the state, district and national levels as they share insight into their volunteer journeys.
After observing her high school coach’s son work as an athletic trainer and physical therapist, Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee member Natalie Trotter, MS, LAT, ATC, desired to become an athletic trainer herself.
Her aspiration led her to work as a student assistant at Jones County Junior College, where she was a pre-physical therapy major. During Trotter’s time there, the ATs encouraged her to enroll in an accredited athletic training program.
“In that search, I landed at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia,” she said. “Once enrolled in the program, we were assigned our different clinical rotations. One of mine was at a physical therapy clinic.”
Trotter said while she enjoyed her rotations, she also discovered that her true passion lay with a different kind of patients.
“Through these rotations, I decided that I would pursue the athletic training route full time, and the rest is history,” she said.
Beyond her career development, Trotter’s impact on the profession also extends to her leadership involvements at the district and national levels.
Learn more about her volunteer journey.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
The first “official” volunteer position may have been NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee District Six representative. The first event was probably an EDAC community service event during the NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo. At the time, I didn't know of many other minority ATs. Once I was introduced to it, it felt like a place to belong. I was excited to just be around people who looked like me, and I was eager to know more.
Tell us about your current position as Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee member and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
My goal for serving on the GATA EDAC is to support the mission and board in any way I can. First is making sure that people are aware of the committee and how they can get involved. I would also like to help identify issues or challenges members or athletes/patients in our care could potentially face and use this volunteer leadership platform to find solutions.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession? Representation in anything matters, not just in general diversity and inclusion-type situations. I passionately believe in representation reflecting those served with respect to the profession’s diversity and inclusion. Having a seat at the table or a voice speaks volumes. It’s important to use the GATA EDAC platform to problem-solve and inspire others, making an impact for the future.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
For me, personally, it helped lay a foundation. The network and resources available from giving back are worth the volunteering of time. I have been able to connect on a deeper level with peers, colleagues, mentors and mentees I have met primarily through the service I have given. It’s rewarding to me both personally and professionally.
What is your fondest memory of serving so far?
The relationships that are formed will last a lifetime! During my time serving as District Six representative with EDAC, I have loved the community service events, town halls and socials that took place during the annual NATA convention.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
Get involved, network and mentor. The possibilities are endless for giving back to such a great profession that we get the opportunity to do day in and day out. The association is only as strong as the people who serve!
