The NATA Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of member recognition, celebrating athletic trainers who have fostered the profession and exemplified what it means to live a life of service. More than a ring and an iconic green jacket, the NATA Hall of Fame honors those who have dedicated countless hours sharpening their skills, mentoring the next generation of ATs and leaving a lasting impact on the athletic training profession.
The May/June NATA News features profiles on each of the 2025 NATA Hall of Fame inductees, providing insight into their careers, volunteer achievements and lives as leaders in the profession. The class of 2025 will be inducted during the 76th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in Orlando. Don’t miss the NATA Hall of Fame Induction & National Awards Ceremony from 1 to 2 p.m. June 25.
In this post, the inductees share advice for the next generation of athletic trainers.
Editor’s note: Rick Shaw passed away Feb. 15. His responses were provided by his daughter, Jess Norman; colleagues, Marion Vruggink, AT Ret., Walter “Kip” Smith, MEd, LAT, ATC, and Scott Lawrance, DHSc, LAT, ATC; and mentor, Bob Behnke, AT Ret.
Brian Conway, LAT, ATC
Respect history but push back on the notion that we have always done it this way. Don’t be afraid to dream. Push the boundaries of the profession.
Katie Walsh Flanagan, EdD, LAT, ATC
You have one job – protect your patient. Your patient/athlete/armed services/factory worker, etc., is looking to you to protect them and, usually, you are the only one who will stand and do so. Do your job, and do not fail your patient.
Don’t be afraid to lead the way – blaze your own trail. Had I waited to find another woman in the profession before I took a job, I’d never be where I am today.
Rick Griffin, MS, LAT, ATC
My advice is very simple: With so many different settings now in athletic training, find the one that is both satisfying and challenging; that gives you the ability to become the best AT you can be and provides a level of accomplishment and joy of which you can be proud. That might be working with the military, arts, clinical, industrial, professional, college, high school, educational or even professional rodeo. With so many options, find one you love and then set out to make a difference!
Jennifer Dawn Rheeling, MS, LAT, ATC
See the greater good. Make your actions contribute to the betterment of your community, place of employment, profession, the organizations you belong to and those around you. So many people see NATA as outdated or not providing value to themselves, but the viability of NATA is critical to the greater good of the profession.
J. Timothy Sensor, LAT, AT Ret.
One piece of advice I consistently gave to my students was: “Be a sponge.” Each interaction, every challenge, should become a chance to expand your knowledge and skills. Learn to approach situations with curiosity rather than dread. The world is filled with wisdom, and those willing to seek it can unlock endless possibilities. I encourage you to adopt this mindset. Embrace the journey of continuous learning and watch how it transforms your life and career. Remember, the most valuable asset you can have is not just what you know, but your willingness to grow.
Rick Shaw (Honored Posthumously)
Jess Norman: “Don’t ever stop listening to the old guys, they’ll teach you more than any book could!” Dad always said he learned more from the old war stories of past athletic trainers than he did from school.
Marion Vruggink: “Break out of your comfort zone, get involved professionally and have fun making friends with people who are just like you!” Being an insurance guy, I think he would also advise students to invest in the future.
Kip Smith: I think Rick’s advice would be to get involved as a volunteer wherever and whenever one can. He would tell students or young professionals that you have more to offer a profession that you think you do.
Bob Behnke: “Never stop learning and don't be afraid to try ‘new’ things.”
Scott Lawrance: “Don’t be afraid to jump at the opportunity, even if you aren’t exactly sure when or where you might land.”
