Class of 2026: Memorable Career Moments
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 look back at their most memorable moment in the profession.
Michael Carroll, MEd, LAT, ATC
As an athletic trainer in the secondary school setting, there are so many memorable moments that are centered on a game or a contest. I have been lucky enough to work with four teams in four different sports that won state championships. I’ve also been lucky enough to be the athletic trainer for both of my children when they competed in high school.
Robert Casmus, MS, LAT, ATC
I will never forget Rod Walters, DAT, SCAT, ATC, assigning me to my very first national committee. I established numerous connections, developed relationships and made lifelong friends. This was the springboard for my wanting to be involved even more with NATA. It has been very inspirational and educational working side-by-side with so many dedicated individuals on my various committee assignments. The teamwork and commitment demonstrated by so many to move the profession forward has been personally gratifying and rewarding.
Neil Curtis, EdD, LAT, ATC
After experiencing personal tragedy in my life, I was deeply moved by the outpouring of care and support from my family and friends, as well as from the athletic training community – colleagues I knew well, others I had never even met and professionals from across the country. Their compassion and generosity created the space for me to prioritize my family and personal healing without sacrificing my professional responsibilities.
Because of their unwavering support, I didn’t have to choose work over life during one of the most difficult times I have faced, and for that, I am forever grateful. Their kindness sustained me personally and professionally, allowing me to continue serving and remain involved as a volunteer in athletic training.
Michael Higgins, PhD, ATC, PT
I was working a lacrosse game when, with about a minute left, a referee suddenly collapsed on the field. Recognizing the signs of a cardiac emergency, I immediately began CPR along with another athletic trainer. This was before automated external defibrillators were widely available, but we were fortunate that a basketball tournament was happening nearby and an emergency rescue squad was close at hand. We continued CPR until the squad arrived and initiated advanced life support, delivering one defibrillation on the field and another in the ambulance. Later that day, we learned that the referee was in stable condition and expected to survive.
Thomas Kaminski, PhD, ATC, FNATA
My memorable moments as an educator and scholar include being selected for the NATA Executive Council for Education Sayers “Bud” Miller Distinguished Educator Award in June 2010 and the NATA Research & Education Foundation 2016 NATA Foundation Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research. From a clinical perspective, the highlight of my career came as an athletic trainer with the 1998 NCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship team from the University of Florida.
Linda Fabrizio Mazzoli, MS, LAT, ATC
I don’t have one defining memorable moment in the profession, but rather, countless memories of new friends, meaningful challenges, personal and professional growth opportunities, professional cohesiveness across all settings and a family I never imagined I would gain.
Jack Ransone, PhD, ATC, FACSM
My most memorable moment in the profession was standing in the middle of the stadium during the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics. It was an overwhelming moment of pride for my country and a privilege to work with such great athletes and coaches. That moment symbolized not only the culmination of years of hard work but also the meaningful relationships and shared commitment that made the journey so rewarding.
