So... Who Was Honored as NATA's Top Athletic Trainer of the Year?

Whitney Williams, an Athletic Trainer at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and native of Dousman, has earned the prestigious title of Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine (ICSM) Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year.

This accolade, presented by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), honors one individual annually for exceptional performance within an athletic training staff across all divisions of the NCAA, including junior colleges and two-year institutions.

Candidates for this award must actively contribute to their community or campus, engage in athletic training associations, and promote the profession.

Athletic Trainers nationwide nominate and evaluate their peers for this honor, highlighting the community-driven aspect of the award.

Brant Berkstresser, the chair of the ICSM and associate athletic director for sports medicine at Tarleton State University, praised Williams: 

"Congratulations to Whitney Williams, who has been voted by her peers as NATA’s Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year. It’s an honor and a privilege to recognize outstanding professionals for their dedication and commitment they make every day in serving their institution and student-athletes."

Echoing this sentiment, UW-Whitewater Director of Sports Medicine Steve Hillmer commented on Williams' influential role within the Warhawk athletics community.

"I believe she is truly deserving of this award for the quality of health care she provides to all of our student-athletes. Additionally, she has been a great mentor to our professional staff, as well as students that have expressed an interest in the profession. I am extremely proud that she has been recognized by the ICSM and look forward to her continuing to elevate the level of health care our student-athletes are provided."

Williams will be formally recognized at the annual NATA meeting in New Orleans this coming June! 

Congrats, Whitney!