Athletic Trainers (ATs) are often seen working quietly behind the scenes—taping ankles, managing injuries, and keeping athletes in the game. But for Dr. Nicolette “Nikki” A. Harris, associate professor and director of student recruitment at A.T. Still University, their role goes far deeper.
Harris, who is among the estimated 5% to 7% of certified Black Athletic Trainers nationwide, recently led a landmark study titled “Perceptions of Leadership Opportunities and Effectiveness Among Athletic Trainers: A Comparison Across Racial and Ethnic Groups,” published in the Journal of Athletic Training.
The research revealed stark contrasts in how Athletic Trainers of different backgrounds perceive leadership barriers.
“An overwhelming percentage of African American participants viewed race and ethnicity as obstacles to leadership, whereas most white participants did not share this perspective,” the study noted.
Of the 488 participants surveyed, nearly 75% of Black respondents identified barriers to advancement as a major concern.
“This is the first research project that has ever made me cry,” admitted Harris. “To see such strong opinions against diversity and inclusion—it really hurt me.”
Harris, now in her 13th year as an Athletic Trainer, began her career at a predominately Black high school in Miami before moving to Florida International University and later A.T. Still. She continues to advocate for greater equity in the profession.
“We obviously acknowledge that there’s a lack of Black Athletic Trainers in the profession,” Harris said. “I think people are scared in the current climate to even say the word diversity—but I can’t say it enough.”
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