Class of 2026: Advice for the Next Generation
The NATA Hall of Fame represents the highest honor bestowed on members, recognizing those who have shaped the profession through leadership, service and mentorship. Beyond the iconic green jacket and ring, NATA Hall of Fame induction reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing athletic training, supporting future generations of ATs and making a lasting impact on the profession.
The May/June NATA News features profiles on each 2026 NATA Hall of Fame inductee, highlighting their career journeys, volunteer service and influence as leaders. The class of 2026 will be inducted during the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in Philadelphia. Don’t miss the NATA Hall of Fame Induction & National Award Ceremony at 1 p.m. June 30.
In this post, the inductees share their advice for the next generation of athletic trainers.
Michael Carroll, MEd, LAT, ATC
I believe our profession and the associations that represent it from the local level all the way to the national and international levels are better when smart, hard-working people get involved. For the next generation of athletic trainers, I challenge them to find something in the profession that they are passionate about and help make it better. The next generation of athletic trainers are very well educated, and if they can take that education and mix in their passion, the sky is the limit.
Robert Casmus, MS, LAT, ATC
We need the next generation of athletic trainers to keep our profession in the forefront as health care providers to the physically active. The next generation must continually demonstrate and showcase our medical expertise as allied health care professionals. Their voices and ideas need to be heard as health care initiatives evolve at a rapid pace. We need the young professional members of our profession and those coming right behind to be engaged in NATA. It’s important that their participation not be on a short-term basis but for their whole career.
Neil Curtis, EdD, LAT, ATC
Be prouder for missing work for life, not life for work. You must take care of yourself to take care of others most effectively.
Everyone has a story. As an athletic trainer, we are often in the unique position to know our patients before they are patients. They trust us; ask them their story when appropriate.
Attend live events. You will make lifelong friends. I hope to see you all at NATA 2026 in Philadelphia!
Michael Higgins, PhD, ATC, PT
Challenge yourself to do your best every day and always keep an open mind to self-improvement. Be resilient and learn from your mistakes. We all make them and they make us better.
Thomas Kaminski, PhD, ATC, FNATA
As country singer Drew Baldridge in his song “Tough People” said, “Hard work pays off, good beats evil and tough times make tough people.” Resiliency and toughness are two traits that all future athletic trainers should strive to acquire. As noted activist and politician Nelson Mandela said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Linda Fabrizio Mazzoli, MS, LAT, ATC
My advice for the next generation of athletic trainers is: 1) Know the landscape of today’s health care arena and understand where you can implement your skill set into any business opportunity, whether implementing prevention programs, covering game day, overseeing outreach athletic training contracts, educating students or owning a health care business. 2) Ask the tough questions and be prepared to walk away from an opportunity that doesn’t see your value or won’t pay you your worth for your services. Athletic trainers shouldn’t be seen as ancillary, but instead, necessary interdisciplinary team members for the delivery of health care. 3) Your opportunities are only as limited as your ideas.
Jack Ransone, PhD, ATC, FACSM
Treat each athlete as an individual and support their full potential with respect, empathy and an understanding of their return-to-play goals. Seek professional development opportunities and surround yourself with people of integrity who respect others. Remember that nothing truly valuable comes easy. Be an active listener. Each of us represents the profession and its community with our actions, professionalism and empathy. To do this depends on us excelling at listening to our colleagues and athletes.
