Brittany Smith Earns VATA’s Top College Athletic Training Honor

Brittany Smith, the University of Lynchburg’s director of athletic training services, has been named the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association’s 2026 College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year, an honor that recognizes excellence in clinical care, leadership, and service to student-athletes. The award was presented Jan. 3 during the VATA’s annual meeting in Hampton, Virginia.

“We are so excited for Brittany to receive such a great and well-deserved recognition,” said Jon Waters, Lynchburg’s director of athletics. “Her passion for student well-being, coupled with her incredible work ethic, is a major reason for the success of our student-athletes and programs. She’s an amazing mentor for the women and men she works with on a daily basis.”

Smith joined the University of Lynchburg in 2015 and currently works primarily with the women’s soccer and basketball, equestrian, and softball programs. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she serves as an instructor in the exercise physiology and Master of Science in Athletic Training programs and is an MSAT preceptor, helping shape the next generation of Athletic Trainers.

“My experience working at Lynchburg has been wonderful,” Smith said. “The people I work with on a daily basis are incredible, from student-athletes to support staff, coaches, administration, and other healthcare professionals.”

She added that the relationships built through Athletic Training are what make the profession so meaningful.

“Many student-athletes come to us in a vulnerable place or at a low point, and helping support them as they recover and build back up is so rewarding,” Smith said. “Seeing athletes return to their sport … and have success after working so hard to return from injury is one of the best feelings.”

Smith is a 2012 graduate of SUNY Cortland and earned her master’s degree in athletic training from Old Dominion University. Her prior experience includes work with Cornell University and Christopher Newport University.

“Brittany invests in the lives of those around her in a passionate way every day,” said Caroline Siler, Lynchburg’s assistant athletic director for student-athlete wellness. “She’s a knowledgeable clinician, exceptional leader, and a loyal friend. We are all truly better for having her as a member of the Lynchburg community.”

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