Announcing our 2026 Scholarship Program Awardees, Service Awards, Student Writing Contest Winners, our 35th Anniversary Fundraiser, and more!

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April 2026

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NATA FOUNDATION UPDATES

The NATA Research & Education Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Stephanie Rowan has been named Executive Director following a competitive search. Stephanie brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience in fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic growth, and has played a key role in expanding sponsorships and strengthening donor relationships since joining the Foundation.

Her leadership in recent months has advanced key priorities and built strong momentum for the Foundation’s future. Stephanie’s passion for the athletic training profession and commitment to mission-driven impact position the NATA Foundation for continued growth and success.

The NATA Foundation is now hiring a Development and Partnerships Manager, and you can learn more HERE

2026 NATA Foundation Service Awardees Announced

The NATA Foundation Board of Directors recognizes those representative for advancing the athletic training profession through the NATA Foundation’s mission, efforts and initiatives. Congratulations to the following 2026 award recipients. LEARN MORE

Rachael Oats Leadership Award: Nancy Burke, MS, AT Ret
Rachael Oats Leadership Award: Stephanie Rowan
Volunteer Service Award: Linda Bobo, ATC, GTS
Impact Service Award: Rod Walters, DAT, SCAT, ATC

Announcing the 2026 Student Writing Contest Awards Winners!

Congratulations to the following winners of the 2026 NATA Foundation Student Writing Contest. LEARN MORE

Best Clinical Practice Research: Sarah Greene – University of Montana
Best Summary Evidence Research: Guang Li – Idaho State University
Best Original Research: Suhani Rajeev Toshniwal – University of Virginia

The NATA Foundation is thankful for GLATA sponsoring the Student Writing Contest since 2019!

PROGRAMS WITH A PURPOSE

Celebrating the 2026 NATA Foundation Scholarship Awardees!

We are thrilled to announce this year’s recipients of the NATA Foundation Scholarship Program, each awarded $2,300 to support their journey in athletic training. Since its launch, the program has awarded over $4.5 million to 2,175 students. This year’s recipients, funded through generous donations and our endowment program, represent the next generation of leaders in athletic training. We can't wait to see the incredible contributions they'll make to the field!

Join us in celebrating their achievements! See the full list: 2026 AWARDEES

April's Research to Clinical Practice: Load Management

Load management plays a critical role in reducing injury risk and optimizing performance by balancing the workload placed on a patient. This issue explores the relationship between external and internal load, how monitoring tools like wearable technology and patient-reported measures can guide decision-making, and how strategies such as tracking workload trends and recovery can help identify athletes at risk and support safe return-to-sport outcomes. LEARN MORE

Don’t miss an issue! Sign up today to receive each new edition directly in your inbox and stay informed on the most relevant topics in athletic training! LEARN MORE

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Open Call for Committee Positions

Applications are being accepted for the following positions through May 8.

Pronouncement Committee Member

Applications are being accepted and reviewed on a monthly basis until filled.

Access & Collective Engagement Committee Chair
Access and Collective Engagement Open Call Member
Access & Collective Engagement Committee Student Member
Ambassador Program Members Currently seeking certified athletic trainers and students in all states.

LEARN MORE

SUPPORT

🎉 Celebrating 35 Years of Impact 💙⁠

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Since 1991, the NATA Research & Education Foundation has been the only nonprofit solely dedicated to advancing the athletic training profession through research and education.⁠

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As we celebrate 35 years of impact, you can help continue this mission. Make a special ONE TIME GIFT of $35 to support innovative research and the next generation of athletic training leaders.⁠

ROCK & BOWL- LIMITED TICKETS LEFT

Get ready to roll, rock, and relive the 90’s at Rock & Bowl, the NATA Foundation’s signature fundraising event during NATA 2026! Join colleagues for an unforgettable evening of bowling, dueling pianos, food, drinks, and high-energy fun — all in support of NATA Foundation research, scholarships, and education.

Tickets are available exclusively through NATA 2026 Convention registration,

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact stephanier@nata.org for more information.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors who are helping make Rock & Bowl — 35 Years of Impact an unforgettable night in Philadelphia! Your support fuels research, scholarships, and education that move the athletic training profession forward. 🙌⁠

Interested in partnering? Contact Stephanie Rowan, NATA Foundation Executive Director, at stephanier@nata.org to start the conversation.

View our 2026 Engagement Opportunities HERE.

1620 Valwood Parkway, Ste 115, Carrollton, TX 75006, USA

Or visit us at:
www.NATAFoundation.org

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