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 their hopes for the future of the profession.
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
My hope is as a profession we continue to push the boundaries of our skills and abilities. Let’s not be a profession of generalists. Let’s embrace subspecialties through avenues such as residencies, fellowships and specialty certifications. Dream big and don’t settle.
Katie Walsh Flanagan, EdD, LAT, ATC
My hope is that we all are kinder to each other, especially on social media. We are not in competition with each other, and there is no need to dim the light of another athletic trainer in order to shine.
I hope we all work harder to be proud of our profession – to call ourselves “athletic trainer” or “AT,” as we earned a degree, passed national certification and most hold a state regulation. Use your title, and respect will follow.
My hope is that we place a certified athletic trainer in every high school in the country – and I believe that, one by one, we will.
Rick Griffin, MS, LAT, ATC
My greatest hope is that ATs become recognized and valued as health care professionals and are admired and financially rewarded by employers for their knowledge base and skill sets, which set us apart from other health care personnel. This will come from hard work providing an educational base that begins with leadership and growth from our young ATs! Continuing to grow our membership to educate our health community and provide continued high value and exceptional care will allow us to reach the status we deserve.
Jennifer Dawn Rheeling, MS, LAT, ATC
It is my hope that athletic trainers learn to find common ground and be supportive and encouraging. There is room for everyone in every space. Inclusivity adds to – it doesn’t take away.
J. Timothy Sensor, LAT, AT Ret.
As I reflect on my journey in athletic training, a deep hope for the future emerges. I envision a world where our profession continues to evolve with advancements in science and technology, providing those under our care with continued unparalleled care and support. I hope for a future where injury prevention is prioritized, ensuring the longevity of athletic careers and enhancing overall health. I envision a future where holistic approaches become the norm, addressing not just physical, but also mental well-being. Imagine athletic trainers collaborating closely with mental health professionals to foster resilience and a positive mindset in those to whom we provide care!
Moreover, I yearn for greater recognition and respect for athletic trainers as essential members of the health care team. Our role should be celebrated, not only in the sports world but also across various settings, including schools, health care facilities and community programs. This acknowledgment would empower us to advocate for ourselves more effectively.
Lastly, I aspire for a collaborative environment among professionals, where knowledge is shared openly, and innovative practices are cultivated. In this future, athletic training will not only heal but also inspire, fostering resilience and excellence in every person whose lives we touch.
Rick Shaw (Honored Posthumously)
Many athletic trainers likely don’t realize how many of Rick’s innovations and work have impacted the AT profession. Rick’s legislative blueprints with state licensure and third party reimbursement laid the roadmap for model regulatory language and pathway for other states to follow. As the Indiana representative for the three-year NATA Third Party Reimbursement Pilot Project, he helped grow the footprint of athletic trainers billing and collecting reimbursement across multiple practice settings, demonstrating further proof of the AT position in the health care market. He initiated the first Quiz Bowl for students, helping it move from a state competition to a national initiative. He created the Indiana and GLATA Student Senate, which became an initiative patterned by other districts and state associations and led to the creation of the NATA Student Leadership Committee. He also was an early pioneer in breaking the glass ceiling by intentionally placing female athletic trainers in important association leadership positions, being recognized with the EDAC Bill Chisolm Professional Service Award as a result. Finally, in the early years of the NATA Research & Education Foundation, Rick was the board treasurer. This was a critical time for scholarships fundraising. In Rick Shaw fashion, he was instrumental in the creation of the golf outing, 5K run and the silent auction, which ran for many years. While the list of Rick’s contributions is very long, probably one of his greatest contributions is he was just a good man who knew how to treat people well. By doing so, he was able to accomplish a lot during his lifetime. From Rick, via the GLATA Presidential History Archive, “My favorite memories are the friendships made, and the progress achieved moving the organization forward. It was an honor and a privilege to serve. I believe everyone has a responsibility to ‘give back’ to their chosen profession. Lead with your heart, be fair, be strong and always do what is best for the future of athletic training.”
