Leader Reciprocates Investment and Advocacy
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, NATA Now is highlighting some of our leaders at the state, district and national levels as they share insight into their volunteer journeys.
Leadership, for Steven Barandica, MEd, LAT, ATC, is about moving out of his comfort zone and giving back to a profession that has given much to him.
Having been a recipient of compassionate sports medicine while in high school, he was inspired to delve into athletic training as a career.
“After sustaining an injury while playing soccer in high school, I was able to see firsthand the important role athletic trainers play in helping athletes recover and return to the sport they love,” Barandica said. “It struck me as the perfect combination of being around sports while working in health care. Attending a high school athletic training workshop during my senior year cemented my decision, and from that point forward, I knew athletic training was the profession where I could truly make an impact.”
Barandica’s benefits from his AT professional practice range from the ability to make a difference in people’s lives in the secondary school setting to opportunities to serve NATA members as a volunteer leader at the district and state levels. Barandica is the president of the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey, overseeing four committees. He is also a member of the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association District Two Executive Council.
Delve deeper into his story in the Q&A below, as he unveils the heart and benefits of volunteer leadership and diversity.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer position within the athletic training profession was serving as the corporate sponsorship chair for ATSNJ. Three years after graduating, the position opened, and although I was a bit hesitant at first, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. In this role, I had the opportunity to collaborate with many professionals, expand the corporate sponsorship program and learn the true value of networking while pushing myself out of my comfort zone. It also served as a steppingstone to further involvement within our state organization. For me, getting involved has always been about giving back to a profession that has given me so much and helping to elevate our profession.
Tell us about your current position as president of the Athletic Trainers' Society of New Jersey and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
As president of ATSNJ, I have the privilege of leading an incredible group of professionals who are dedicated to advancing the athletic training profession and supporting the health and safety of the individuals that we serve. In this role, my goals are to strengthen our advocacy efforts, increase opportunities for professional development and ensure that every athletic trainer in our state feels represented and supported. I also hope to inspire the next generation of athletic trainers by highlighting the vital impact we make each day and by creating pathways for greater involvement, leadership and growth within the profession.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
Representation in leadership is vital because it ensures that the voices, experiences and perspectives of all our members are reflected at the decision-making table. When leadership mirrors the diversity of our profession, it strengthens trust, inspires the next generation and drives more inclusive and effective initiatives. For athletic training, this means building a profession that not only meets the needs of those we serve, but also elevates our collective voice, promotes growth and ensures every athletic trainer sees a place for themselves in shaping the future.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Volunteering has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Personally, it has pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me build meaningful relationships and given me a deeper sense of purpose in serving others. Professionally, it has sharpened my leadership and communication skills, expanded my network and given me the opportunity to contribute to the growth of athletic training beyond my day-to-day responsibilities. Through volunteering, I’ve not only grown as a person, but I’ve also gained a broader perspective on how I can make a lasting impact on my profession.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
My fondest memory of serving so far has been collaborating with other leaders in our state to advance the profession of athletic training in New Jersey. I have truly enjoyed representing all the athletic trainers in our state and being a voice for the incredible work they do every day. Just as meaningful has been the opportunity to mentor and support young athletic trainers, serving as a role model for them in the same way so many leaders once did for me. Knowing that I can contribute to both the growth of our profession and the development of the next generation is what makes this role truly rewarding.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
My advice for athletic trainers who want to give back is to start small and simply say “yes” when opportunities arise. Whether it’s serving on a committee, helping with an event or mentoring a student, every contribution makes a difference. Getting involved not only strengthens our profession, but also helps you grow personally and professionally by building connections, expanding your skills and finding new ways to make an impact. Most importantly, remember that giving back doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it’s about finding the role that fits you and embracing the chance to support a profession that has given us all so much.
