Class of 2026: Volunteering

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 of 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 discuss what inspired them to volunteer throughout their careers. 

Michael Carroll, MEd, LAT, ATC

My mother and father modeled that for me from a young age. My father had many volunteer roles ranging from a delegate to the American Medical Association at the national level all the way to the school board in my hometown of Nacogdoches, Texas. My mother also was on the Nacogdoches Planning & Zoning Commission for more than 40 years. I remember my father always saying if you see a problem and you aren’t willing to help fix it then you aren’t allowed to complain about it.

Very early in my career, I was involved with the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers’ Society as well as volunteering to be an examiner for the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer exam and the state of Texas Licensure exam. As I got more involved, I met peers in the field and was asked to join Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association committees. After only one year, Arnold Thomas, AT Ret., who had been the SWATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee chair, transitioned to a different committee and recommended me to take over as chair of the committee. Once I started volunteering at the national level, I met so many amazing people and couldn’t imagine stepping away. As I continued my leadership journey, I was elected to the SWATA Executive Board and became the president. Then, at the urging of Frank Walters, PhD, LAT, ATC, I ran for and was elected to the BOC Board of Directors and, ultimately, became vice president. Currently, I serve as the BOC International Committee chair. I truly enjoy being a part of the leadership structure of this great profession. Some of my best friends in the world are people I’ve met through the volunteer and leadership roles I’ve had over the years.

Robert Casmus, MS, LAT, ATC

I was blessed to have great mentors in my athletic training education. It was always stressed to be involved, make a difference and pay it forward. I have loved every single NATA committee assignment and enjoyed working with so many great individuals to advance and promote our profession.

Neil Curtis, EdD, LAT, ATC

I was inspired by my parents and then by my athletic training mentors and colleagues who led by example and encouraged me to get involved. I started out at the state and regional levels, leading to national committee appointments. The relationships and friendships developed have lasted throughout my career.

Michael Higgins, PhD, ATC, PT

I was raised in a family that believed if you want to make a difference, you have to get involved; don’t just talk about it, do it. I was fortunate to be given opportunities to participate in our profession at many levels, and I made it a point to take advantage of them. Through that involvement, I have seen firsthand the impact that volunteering can have on our profession and on the future of athletic training.

Thomas Kaminski, PhD, ATC, FNATA

I joined NATA in 1980 as a student member during my freshman year at Marietta College, and have been a member ever since. I learned the importance of giving back to the profession early in my tenure as a student and saw my mentor “Doc” Spear live that daily. I was always excited to attend the annual meeting of the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association along with the annual meeting of the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association. Upon graduating and pursuing my master’s degree at the University of Arizona, I had another strong, stern mentor in Gary Delforge, AT Ret., who continued to project the importance of volunteerism and “paying it forward!” I tend to think that over the past 45-plus years in the athletic training profession, I have done a good job in upholding the importance of volunteerism that both these mentors put forth.

Linda Fabrizio Mazzoli, MS, LAT, ATC

I was raised by my mother to lead with a servant’s heart, prioritizing others and serving my community with purpose and integrity. Therefore, when I received a call from Paula Turocy, AT Ret., a true servant leader, I felt a deep sense of responsibility for both my mother and Paula. I agreed to become involved in an oversight committee for the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society representing athletic trainers in the clinical setting. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the opportunities I had been afforded as an athletic trainer within the clinical business setting weren’t equally seen within the athletic training profession. I became driven to encourage stakeholders – both inside and outside of the profession – to recognize the value and unique skill set of athletic trainers, and to understand how their integration strengthens outcomes across the entire health care system.

Jack Ransone, PhD, ATC, FACSM

I was inspired to volunteer because it was an opportunity to give back to my profession, learn from other practitioners and collaborate across international communities. Volunteering also allowed me to expand my professional role by working at numerous World and Olympic Championships, which gave me the privilege of traveling globally and gaining invaluable experience.

Once I began volunteering, I quickly realized I was surrounded by many incredible individuals who offered friendship, mentorship and a strong foundation for both personal and professional growth. Those meaningful connections deepened my commitment. I continue to volunteer with multiple organizations and associations in the hope of making a lasting difference, while advancing my profession.