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In North Carolina, Northwood High School Athletic Trainer Jackie Harpham has been honored with the prestigious NCHSAA Elton Hawley Athletic Trainer of the Year award, as announced by the NCHSAA on Thursday. Harpham will receive her award at the NCHSAA Awards Celebration on June 12 at the Greensboro Coliseum Campus.
Expressing her surprise and gratitude, Harpham said:
“It’s wonderful. It was a big surprise. I had no idea [Northwood Athletic Director Cameron Vernon] had been going through the nomination process…I feel really humbled to be recognized for that.”
Harpham's journey in athletic training began at Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania, where her high school Athletic Trainer, Joe Iezzi, inspired her.
“I had an awesome Athletic Trainer in high school that helped me through a series of injuries, aches and pains.”
This led her to pursue a degree in athletic training at Ithaca College and later, a degree in exercise science from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Since joining Northwood in 2013, Harpham has been a vital part of the school community, working closely with athletes and teaching sports medicine classes. Reflecting on her career, she said:
“When I think back on my time here, Northwood is just a really special place...more than anything, it’s just the people that are here.”
Harpham's impact extends beyond her athletic training duties. She teaches multiple levels of sports medicine classes, providing students with hands-on experience in the field.
“Something I’m most proud of is I have a lot of former students that have gone on to study in the sports medicine field."
Northwood had never had an Athletic Trainer before Harpham. With support from former football head coach Bill Hall, Harpham established the school’s athletic training program.
“If it wasn’t for Coach Hall, I probably wouldn’t have found this position.”
Despite initial challenges, she successfully built a robust program, earning the respect and support of the Northwood community.
Harpham’s dedication and passion for her work have made her an indispensable part of Northwood High School, where she continues to inspire and support her students and athletes.
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