South Carolina’s Clint Haggard Earns SEC’s Chris Patrick Award

University of South Carolina sports medicine leader Clint Haggard has added another major honor to an already decorated Athletic Training career.

Haggard, recently named Executive Associate Athletics Director for Sports Performance and Wellness, received the 2026 Chris Patrick Award from the Southeastern Conference Sports Medicine Committee.

The award recognizes the SEC’s outstanding Athletic Trainer and honors professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, work ethic, advocacy, and dedication to student-athlete care.

“I have been blessed to be part of a profession that embodies the values the Chris Patrick Award represents,” Haggard said. “I am truly grateful to the SEC Sports Medicine Committee for this honor.”

The recognition comes after 17 seasons serving as South Carolina’s head football Athletic Trainer before transitioning into his new leadership role in May 2026.

Throughout his career, Haggard has built a reputation that extends far beyond the sidelines. In addition to his work with Gamecock Athletics, he has served as an adjunct instructor, conference speaker, published researcher, and active leader within Athletic Training organizations at the state and conference levels.

His list of honors continues to grow. In 2024, Haggard was named NCAA Division I Head Athletic Trainer of the Year by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine.

Before arriving at South Carolina, Haggard worked at Rice University and Alabama, helping shape his decades-long career in sports medicine.

For Athletic Trainers across the SEC and beyond, the award reflects not only professional excellence, but the lasting impact strong leadership and athlete-centered care can have throughout a program. Read the full story here!