Michigan State Covassin Inducted into Athletic Trainers' Hall of Fame

Tracey Covassin, a distinguished professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Michigan State University, has been honored with induction into the Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society (MATS) Hall of Fame.

This prestigious accolade recognizes Covassin's significant contributions to the field of athletic training through her research, practice, and service in Michigan. Covassin, who directs MSU’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program, expressed her gratitude for the recognition:

“The most rewarding part has been watching students graduate with an athletic training degree and being successful in their own careers.”

Covassin is the eighth MSU faculty member to receive this honor since the MATS Hall of Fame was established in 1990.

Her research, particularly on sports-related concussions, has profoundly impacted the field. She was among the first to identify gender differences in concussion rates, demonstrating that women are at greater risk than men.

This research has been cited over 13,000 times and informed the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine’s 2018 position statement on concussions.

Covassin’s groundbreaking work underscores the importance of recognizing that females are equally susceptible to concussions in comparable sports, which is vital for healthcare professionals, coaches, and athletes.

"Our research has demonstrated the importance of recognizing that females are just as likely to get a concussion as males in sex-comparable sports. This awareness is essential for healthcare professionals, coaches and athletes alike.”

Read her full story here!