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Craig Voll’s journey into the field of sports medicine began with a scholarship named after William E. "Pinky" Newell, a pioneering figure in athletic training at Purdue University.
Inspired by Newell's legacy, Voll has now earned his place alongside him in the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Hall of Fame, making him the 12th Boilermaker to receive this honor.
Reflecting on Newell’s influence, Voll shared:
"People asked me, ‘Who was the one person that had the most impact on your career?’ And I said, ‘The one person is someone I actually never met. It was Pinky.’"
Voll’s extensive career includes roles as an Athletic Trainer for Purdue's successful football teams in the late 1990s and early 2000s, working with athletes like Drew Brees.
Transitioning to education, he earned a PhD from Purdue’s Department of Health and Kinesiology (HK) and now coordinates the sports medicine concentration in the kinesiology major. Voll emphasized the value of his diverse experiences in enhancing his teaching:
“My experiences up until this point, I’ve become the best version of myself over my career.”
A devoted Cleveland Browns fan, Voll’s career goal initially was to work as an Athletic Trainer on the professional sidelines.
He achieved this, serving the Browns and later the Baltimore Ravens. His commitment to improving healthcare access led him back to West Lafayette, where he managed sports medicine for Franciscan Health, bringing Athletic Trainers to rural Indiana schools for the first time.
“I firmly believe that the quality of health care that a student-athlete got should not be dictated or determined by their zip code.”
Voll’s dedication to volunteerism and leadership within NATA further exemplifies his commitment to the field. His recognition as a Hall of Famer is a testament to his impactful career.
"Humbled. Honored. Thankful. It’s recognition by your colleagues, but more importantly, it’s about the impact you’ve had. This was my calling. This was my vocation.”
Read his full story here!
