NATA Now

By Erik R. Brown, DHSc, LAT, ATC, and Matthew Powless, PhD, HSPP 

College student athletes already have plenty of things on their plate. Because of their juggling act, they are prone to mental health issues. The changing climate of college athletics has been fluid since 2020 as mental health issues became more paramount with the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, name, image and likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal. These issues have added another layer of additional stressors – good and bad.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the NATA Now blog is highlighting some of our athletic training leaders at the state, district and national levels.

Estefania Zavala, DAT, ATC, CES, began her athletic training journey inspired by the compassionate care she experienced from her high school AT while playing soccer.

“She was always there for everyone, as athletes and as people,” she said.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the NATA Now blog is highlighting some of our athletic training leaders at the state, district and national levels.

Sports and medicine are two loves that David Maldonado, MS, LAT, ATC, has always found fascinating. However, the ability to meld these two further bolstered his resolve to pursue athletic training.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the NATA Now blog is highlighting some of our athletic training leaders at the state, district and national levels.

“Introduction to Athletic Training,” an elective course Paul Alvarez, PhD, ATC, took as a physical education major at California State University in Sacramento, wasn’t the only impetus for his AT interests.

From now through Sept. 30, NATA members have the opportunity to support the NATA Political Action Committee and potentially win one of three prizes through the NATAPAC Sweepstakes.

Introduced in 2021, the NATAPAC Sweepstakes has become an annual fundraiser, providing another way members can contribute to the advancement of the profession.   

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the NATA Now blog is highlighting some of our athletic training leaders at the state, district and national levels.

Brandon Garcia, LAT, ROT, has had an interest in athletic training since his sophomore year of high school.

Students and athletic training programs, you’re invited to attend the NATA Connection and Engagement Committee Student Meet and Greet at 7 p.m. CDT Sept. 27.

NATA 2023 On-Demand is available to both in-person attendees and on-demand registrants Aug. 1-Oct. 31.

For on-demand-only registrants, NATA 2023 On-Demand offers up to 20 CEUs. Registrants must view sessions in their entirety and complete the session assessments at the end to earn CEUs.

In-person attendees who were not able to earn all 20 CEUs while in Indy can earn their remaining CEUs in the on-demand portal.

Back-to-school season is right around the corner! As students approach their studies and sports return, athletic trainers also need to get equipped to serve their athletes’ health care needs.

Whether in the secondary school environment or the collegiate setting, ATs have successfully applied themselves to providing complete and compassionate care to student athletes with various health care needs. This year, to continue advancing in their student athlete care, there are some invaluable tips ATs need to consider.

Four new sports science courses are now available in the NATA Professional Development Center (PDC) with two more planned to be released soon.