Albert Lea Area Schools announced Friday that longtime Athletic Trainer Lynn Rothmeier has been named the recipient of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Region 1AA Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Service, honoring more than three decades of dedication to student-athletes, families, and the Albert Lea community.
A certified Athletic Trainer and graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Rothmeier’s impact extends far beyond the sidelines. For more than 20 years, she has also served the community as a physical therapist assistant and EMT, bringing a rare depth of clinical experience to every athlete she treats.
Over the course of her career, Rothmeier has guided thousands of students and families through injuries, rehabilitation, and some of the most challenging moments in youth sports. Her approach blends clinical expertise with empathy, ensuring athletes feel supported not just physically, but emotionally as well.
Always ahead of the curve, Rothmeier was one of the first Athletic Trainers in the Big 9 Conference to implement concussion baseline testing. Today, she continues to oversee all concussion testing in Albert Lea, playing a vital role in protecting student-athletes and setting a high standard for health and safety protocols.
One of the most meaningful reflections of her legacy is generational. Rothmeier now treats the children of athletes she worked with early in her career—a testament to the trust she has built within the community.
Rothmeier also leads by example. She openly shares her own training for races and triathlons with students and, in years past, even joined football players during conditioning workouts to show them what commitment looks like. Her presence at events is constant, making her a familiar and reassuring figure to Albert Lea families.
“Lynn is more than our Athletic Trainer—she’s essentially a coach, mentor, assistant activities director, and much, much more,” said Albert Lea Activities Director Dave Langerud. “She’s at every high-impact event we have, and hundreds more throughout the year. She works full days at Mayo and still shows up in the evenings to take care of our kids.”
The district also expressed gratitude to Rothmeier’s husband, Steve, for his ongoing support of her commitment to serving Albert Lea students.
The MSHSL Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to high school activities across Minnesota. By every measure, Rothmeier’s impact has been exactly that—extraordinary. Full story here!