In 2015 the name changed from the Athletic Trainer of the Year Award to Professional Excellence in Athletic Training.

In the event that no nomination is received or the Awards Committee rejects all nominee/s, the Executive Council is then responsible for putting forth a nomination.


Nomination Process

The following must be completed in order to be considered for an award:

  1. The nomination form and all required materials must be completed and submitted by the deadline of March 20.
  2. A curriculum vitae/resume MUST be submitted before a nominee is presented to the full Awards Committee.
  3. Letter(s) of support strongly recommended.


Eligibility Criteria

  1. Only Indiana state licensed Athletic Trainers may receive this award.
  2. The nominee must have worked a minimum of five (5) years in Indiana.
  3. The nominee has IATA membership.
  4. The nominee should be active in advancing the profession of athletic training and sports medicine (i.e., education, research, speaking, writing, etc.).
  5. The nominee must be a well-respected member of their community (i.e., volunteer, civic organizations, church, and/or school).
  6. The nominee should make contributions/support the profession of athletic training.
  7. The nominee should make contributions to healthcare in Indiana.


Selection Process

  1. The Honors and Awards Committee shall make a recommendation of up to 3 nominees to the IATA Executive Council.
  2. In the event that no nomination is received, the Awards Committee rejects all nominee/s, or the Executive Council rejects the nominee/s, the Awards Committee is then responsible for nominating and recommending a candidate to the Executive Council.
  3. Non-selected nominees will be considered one additional year following the initial nomination.


Election Process

  1. The Executive Council officially selects the recipients of the Professional Excellence Award.
  2. The Election results are publicly announced at the IATA awards presentation.



(Known as the Athletic Trainer of the Year Award prior to 2015)

2025 Gusta M. Owens
Tiffany Franklin
Tim Nurrenbern
2024 Nicole DeStefano
Andrew Doyle
Sally Young
2023 Marcus Davis
Elizabeth Mattson
Elizabeth Walters
2022 Chris Hall
Diana M. Silvey
Patrick Ohaver
2021 Anna Foster
David Jessup
Isaac Hook
2020 Elizabeth Miotke
Douglas G. Boersma
Dr. Mark W. Huntington
2019 Shawn M. Comer
Carl Palma
Valerie Teets
2018 Mackenzie Clark
Anna Foster
Kenneth Games
2017 Mary Spina
Zachary Winkelmann
Ned Shannon
2016 Jeffrey Beer
Lindsey Eberman
Ned Shannon
2015 Kathy Levandoski
Justin Miller
Nicole Moss
2014 High School: Laura Harrison
College/University: John T. Locke
Clinic/Professional: John D. Edwards
2013 High School: Kevin McNamara
College/University: Chris Shaff
Clinic/Professional: Robert Williams
2012 High School: Sandi Byle
College/University: Mary Jacobs
Clinic/Professional: David Hammer
2011 High School: Jan Clifton
College/University: Jessica Lipsett
Clinic/Professional: Scott Hudson
2010 High School: Jim Miller
College/University: Neal Hazen
Clinic/Professional: Dawn Ellington
2009 High School: Jeff Clevenger
College/University: Ned Shannon
Clinic/Professional: Scott Lawrence
2008 High School: Marianne Goshorn
College/University: Jennifer Popp
Clinic/Professional: Ryan Harber
2007 High School: Steve Souder
College/University: Craig Voll
Clinic/Professional: Brian Murphy
2006 High School: Nancy LaFon
College/University: Joseph Lueken
Clinic/Professional: Robert Tank
2005 High School: Linda Kaminskis
College/University: Thomas Bakewell
Clinic/Professional: Holly Heitzman
2004 High School: Chris Diaz
College/University: Tony Cox
Clinic/Professional: Jon Grant
2003 High School: Becky Clifton
College/University: Lori Vancza
Clinic/Professional: Sherry Molinar
2002 High School: Dean Behrman
College/University: Rex Call
Clinic/Professional: Melissa Campbell
2001 High School: Joe Harvey
College/University: Katie Grove
Clinic/Professional: Darrell Barnes
2000 High School: Kim Stento
College/University: David Ralston
Clinic/Professional: Clark Simpson
1999 High School: Barbara Caton
College/University: Larry Leverenz
Clinic/Professional: Brian Curless
1998 High School: Angie Miller
College/University: Kathy Taylor
Clinic/Professional: Sue Finkam
1997 High School: Dwight Fraze
College/University: Don Ogle
Clinic/Professional: Troy Miller
1996 High School: Marion Vruggink
College/University: Mike Ferrara
Clinic/Professional: Joe Baer
1995 High School: Steve Souder
College/University: Greg Williamson
Clinic/Professional: Mike Sullivan
1994 High School: Tom Petty
College/University: Dennis Miller
Clinic/Professional: Kathy Malone
1993 High School: Bob Shriner
College/University: Jay Bradley
Clinic/Professional: David Craig
1992 High School: Jeff Franciosi
College/University: John Schrader
Clinic/Professional: Steve Schindler
1991 High School: Mark Lahr
College/University: Rick Shaw
Clinic/Professional: Mark DeCarlo
1990 High School: Kent Evans
College/University: Jack Mansfield
Clinic/Professional: Hunter Smith
1989 High School: Jim Rottjakob
College/University: Ralph Ferri
Clinic/Professional: John Coddington
1988 High School: Sherman Iszak
College/University: Steve Risinger
Clinic/Professional: Marjorie Albom
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software