The Eve Becker-Doyle Leadership Award is the highest honor given to an NATA member specifically for outstanding leadership and volunteerism within the NATA. The award recognizes one member of the Association that has shown a lifetime of leadership. This award is presented to an athletic trainer who exemplifies the leadership and dedication demonstrated by Eve Becker-Doyle during her time as Executive Director of the NATA. No other award, NATA or otherwise, is a prerequisite for eligibility for this award.
Award Eligibility
- 40 years of NATA membership
- NATA member in good standing, either active or retired
Nominations are open August 1st through September 15th, annually.
Advocate Letter Questions
To help prepare advocates to complete their questionairres, the following questions will be asked during the process.
- As a recognized national leader in athletic training – in what capacity did the candidate's leadership have the greatest or most profound effect to benefit the “everyday working athletic trainer”?
- The EBD Leadership award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of leadership within the NATA. Of the candidate's leadership contributions within the NATA, which contribution do you feel most exemplifies the legacy of Eve Becker-Doyle?
Eve Becker-Doyle Leadership Award Recipients
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2025
Jim Thornton, MS, LAT, ATC
2023
Cynthia "Sam" Booth, PhD, AT Ret.
2020
Richard Ray, EdD, AT Ret.
2019
Julie Max, MEd, ATC
2018
Chuck Kimmel, AT Ret.
2017
William H. Chambers, BS, AT Ret.
2016
Mark J. Smaha, MS, ATC