NATA Now

August 28, 2025 by Beth Sitzler

Family Story Shapes Diabetes Learning Lab

Ten years ago, Mike Prybicien, LAT, ATC, CES, shared with NATA News and NATA Now readers how his background in athletic training helped his family navigate his son Aiden’s diabetes diagnosis.

During the 76th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in Orlando, a now 16-year-old Aiden joined his father to help educate other athletic trainers about caring for those with diabetes during the “Managing the Diabetic Physically Active Patient” Learning Lab June 27.

May 23, 2023 by Lydia Hicks

NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2023: Future

The NATA Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of recognition for members, honoring a select group of athletic trainers who have shaped the athletic training profession and exemplified what it means to live a life of service.

More than a ring, green jacket and plaque on the wall, the NATA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed on those who have spent countless hours perfecting their skills, mentoring the next generation of ATs and imprinting a lasting impact on the athletic training profession.

May 18, 2023 by Lydia Hicks

NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2023: Advice to Give

The NATA Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of recognition for members, honoring a select group of athletic trainers who have shaped the athletic training profession and exemplified what it means to live a life of service.

More than a ring, green jacket and plaque on the wall, the NATA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed on those who have spent countless hours perfecting their skills, mentoring the next generation of ATs and imprinting a lasting impact on the athletic training profession.

May 16, 2023 by Lydia Hicks

NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2023: Advice Received

The NATA Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of recognition for members, honoring a select group of athletic trainers who have shaped the athletic training profession and exemplified what it means to live a life of service.

More than a ring, green jacket and plaque on the wall, the NATA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed on those who have spent countless hours perfecting their skills, mentoring the next generation of ATs and imprinting a lasting impact on the athletic training profession.

May 15, 2023 by Lydia Hicks

Compassionate Leadership in Action

In honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May, the NATA Now blog is highlighting some of our Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders at the state, district and national levels.

At age 14, Nikki Awaya, MEd, ATC, already knew the athletic training profession was the right path for her.

Now an athletic trainer in the secondary school setting, Awaya said that while she enjoys seeing athletes win completions, it’s even more rewarding to see them win in life.

May 11, 2023 by Lydia Hicks

NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2023: Mentors

The NATA Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of recognition for members, honoring a select group of athletic trainers who have shaped the athletic training profession and exemplified what it means to live a life of service.

More than a ring, green jacket and plaque on the wall, the NATA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed on those who have spent countless hours perfecting their skills, mentoring the next generation of ATs and imprinting a lasting impact on the athletic training profession.

May 9, 2023 by Lydia Hicks

NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2023: Memorable Moments

The NATA Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of recognition for members, honoring a select group of athletic trainers who have shaped the athletic training profession and exemplified what it means to live a life of service.

More than a ring, green jacket and plaque on the wall, the NATA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed on those who have spent countless hours perfecting their skills, mentoring the next generation of ATs and imprinting a lasting impact on the athletic training profession.

May 8, 2023 by Lydia Hicks

Leading in Advocacy and Change

In honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May, the NATA Now blog is highlighting some of our Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders at the state, district and national levels.

For someone with many educational and career opportunities to choose from, California Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair Monica Ohkubo, DSc, ATC, EMT-B, said she was not sure which direction to take in the early years of her professional journey.