NATA Now

August 22, 2025 by Beth Sitzler

Pin Collectors Meet at NATA 2025

An NATA 75th anniversary special event, hosted by the NATA Historical Commission,  brought together pin collecting enthusiasts during the 76th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo June 24-27 in Orlando. 

More than 30 athletic trainers and athletic training students attended the NATA Pin Collectors' Meet and Greet, organized by Historical Commission member Jeff Stone, MEd, LAT, ATC, an NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2012 member, to exchange and trade pins and patches. 

May 29, 2024 by Lydia Hicks

Representation in Higher Education

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

Since high school, athletic training has been a passion for NATA Research & Education Foundation Research Committee and Athletic Training Research Agenda Committee member Kenny Lam, ScD, ATC, FNATA.

Driven by his love for helping people achieve their goals, Lam said athletic training has been his avenue do so.

May 28, 2024 by Lydia Hicks

NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Advice Received

The NATA Hall of Fame is the apex of member recognition, celebrating a select group of athletic trainers who have advanced the profession and exemplified what it means to live a life of service.

More than a jacket, plaque and accolades, the NATA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed on those who have dedicated countless hours honing their skills, mentoring the next generation of ATs and leaving a lasting legacy in the athletic training profession.

May 24, 2024 by Lydia Hicks

Five Ways to Connect with Leadership at Convention

The 75th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, June 25-28 in New Orleans, is approaching – and registration is open. As athletic trainers look forward to this iconic annual event in AT history, NATA Now is highlighting “75 Things To Know About Convention.”

At convention this year, attendees will get to celebrate milestones with NATA’s leadership as well as network with their respective district leaders.

May 21, 2024 by Lydia Hicks

NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Mentors

The NATA Hall of Fame is the apex of member recognition, celebrating a select group of athletic trainers who have advanced the profession and exemplified what it means to live a life of service.

More than a jacket, plaque and accolades, the NATA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed on those who have dedicated countless hours honing their skills, mentoring the next generation of ATs and leaving a lasting legacy in the athletic training profession.

May 20, 2024 by Beth Sitzler

Inside the Professional Football Setting

Introduced in the April NATA News, this NATA Now article series provides insight into the different athletic training settings as well as information athletic training students and interested ATs need to know. The series also provides tips from members on how to succeed in each setting.

 

For 15 years, Seattle Seahawks head athletic trainer David Stricklin, MS, LAT, ATC, has provided care to professional football athletes.

May 17, 2024 by Kristin Carroll

Inside the Professional Soccer Setting

Introduced in the April NATA News, this NATA Now article series provides insight into the different athletic training settings as well as information athletic training students and interested ATs need to know. The series also provides tips from members on how to succeed in each setting.

 

Kurt Andrews, MAT, LAT, ATC, director of sport medicine for Major League Soccer for Sporting Kansas City, said he always knew he wanted to work in professional soccer.

May 16, 2024 by Kristin Carroll

Five Ways To Form Relationships at Convention

The 75th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, June 25-28 in New Orleans, is approaching – and registration is open. As we get ready for convention, NATA Now is looking back at convention history as well as what to know about NATA 2024.

One of the best parts of convention is the connections ATs can make while there. Building new relationships and connecting with old friends is a key part of the convention experience. While in New Orleans (and even before), ATs have plenty of opportunities to connect.

May 15, 2024 by Beth Sitzler

Given to Education and Research

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


Naoko Giblin, PhD, LAT, ATC, came into the athletic training profession with a desire to serve people.

“I wanted to become an athletic trainer because I wanted to contribute to other people’s success, especially in sports,” Giblin said.