NATA Research & Education Foundation

🌟 Headed to Philadelphia for NATA 2026? 💙

Don’t miss the NATA Research & Education Foundation events happening throughout the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo! 🎉

From scholarship and leadership celebrations to networking opportunities, educational sessions, and our 35th Anniversary Rock & Bowl fundraiser, there are plenty of ways to connect, celebrate, and support the future of athletic training.

📅 June 29–July 2, 2026
📍 Philadelphia, PA

📲 View all Foundation events and special activities:
https://convention.nata.org/special-events/

We can’t wait to celebrate with you in Philadelphia! 💙

🎉 Congratulations to Our 2026 NBATA Foundation Scholarship Recipient! 💙🏀

The NATA Foundation is proud to announce that Journee Johnson of Texas Christian University has been selected as the 2026 NBATA Foundation Scholarship recipient! 🎓✨

This prestigious $20,000 scholarship, made possible through the generous support of the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association Foundation, supports outstanding Pre-Athletic Training students preparing to enter their first year in a CAATE-accredited professional program.

Journee’s passion for athletic training, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the future of the profession truly stood out. We are excited to support her as she continues her journey toward becoming an athletic trainer! 💙

Please join us in congratulating Journee on this incredible achievement! 👏

👉 Learn more:
https://www.natafoundation.org/new-scholarship-opportunity/

💙 Thank You for Representing the NATA Foundation at MAATA!

A special thank you to former NATA Foundation Board Member Robert Casmus for representing the Foundation during the AT Alliance FaceTime Session at the MAATA District Meeting. 👏

This collaborative session brought together leadership from the NATA Foundation, NATA, Board of Certification (BOC), CAATE, NATA Governmental Affairs, and MAATA to share important updates and continue strengthening the athletic training profession together.

We also appreciate the partnership and collaboration shown by Anne Minton (BOC), Mollie Pillman (NATA), and Toni Torres-McGehee (CAATE) throughout the session.

Meaningful collaboration and shared leadership continue to move our profession forward. 💙

💙 Great moments from the D3 MAATA District Meeting!

Congratulations to Jon Mitzel of Cherokee Central High School (Cherokee, NC), winner of the Athletic Edge Treatment Table Raffle, featured during a Learning Lab session! 🎉

We also want to give a huge THANK YOU to NATA Foundation Ambassadors Melissa Snyder and Adam Yuan for representing the Foundation at our booth, connecting with attendees, and sharing the impact of our programs and mission throughout the meeting. 👏

We’re grateful for the energy, engagement, and support shown throughout the conference as we continue advancing research, scholarships, and education for athletic trainers. 💙

💙 Meaningful moments at the NBATA Conference!

The NATA Foundation was thrilled to see AJ Duffy, NATA President, connect with Ameliana Abeyta, recipient of the 2025 NBATA Foundation Scholarship, during the conference in Chicago. 🎉

The two had the opportunity to meet during a wonderful roundtable discussion focused on leadership, connection, and the future of athletic training.

Moments like these highlight the impact of scholarships, mentorship, and professional engagement in helping support the next generation of athletic trainers. 👏

Congratulations again to Ameliana, and thank you to NBATA for supporting future leaders in the profession! 💙

🎉 Congratulations to our 2026 Doctoral Student Research Grant Awardees! 🎓🔬⁠
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The NATA Foundation is proud to support the next generation of researchers driving innovation in athletic training. Each of these outstanding doctoral students has been awarded a $2,500 grant to pursue impactful research in our field.⁠
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A heartfelt THANK YOU to our dedicated donors—your generosity makes this support possible and continues to shape the future of our profession. 💙⁠
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Learn more: https://www.natafoundation.org/research/grant-opportunities/current-grant-awardees/
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🎳💙 More Reasons to Join Us at Rock & Bowl!

A huge THANK YOU to our sponsor, Dynamic Tape, for helping us celebrate the NATA Foundation’s 35th Anniversary with a special gift for all Rock & Bowl attendees! 🙌🎁

Every attendee will receive:
🔹 A sample pack of Dynamic Tape
🔹 Access to the Dynamic Tape Part A Course

Thank you, Dynamic Tape, for your generous support of the athletic training community and our mission. 👏🎉

Tickets are ALMOST SOLD OUT! Don’t miss your chance to join us for a night of bowling, dueling pianos, 90’s fun, and unforgettable memories—all while supporting research, scholarships, and education for athletic trainers.

👉 Learn more:https://www.natafoundation.org/events/

📢 New Research to Clinical Practice May Issue: ASTHMA MANAGEMENT 🫁💙

Asthma affects millions worldwide—and for athletes, proper management is essential to ensure safe participation and optimal performance.

This month’s RTCP highlights updated asthma management strategies, including new evidence-based guidelines that are changing how clinicians approach care.

Inside the May issue, you’ll learn:
🔹 Why asthma should be treated as an inflammatory condition from the first symptoms
🔹 Updated guidance on reliever medications and why SABA alone is no longer preferred
🔹 The role of ICS-formoterol inhalers for both relief and prevention
🔹 How to manage exercise-induced asthma in active populations
🔹 The importance of personalized care and objective testing (spirometry, exercise challenges)

🎓 Stay current on evolving guidelines to better support athlete health, safety, and performance.

📄 Read the full May issue here:
https://www.natafoundation.org/education/educational-resources/

Thank you to our sponsor, ZetrOZ and SAM! 💙

🌟 Welcoming Our New Rock & Bowl Sponsors! 💙🎳

We’re excited to recognize and thank our latest sponsors for joining us in making Rock & Bowl — 35 Years of Impact an unforgettable night in Philadelphia! 🙌

Your support fuels research, scholarships, and education—helping move the athletic training profession forward in a big way.

🎉 Tickets are going FAST! Don’t miss your chance to join us for a night of bowling, dueling pianos, and 90’s fun—all for a great cause.

🤝 Want to join this incredible group of sponsors?
DM us or learn more below!

👉 https://www.natafoundation.org/events/

Let’s celebrate, give back, and make an impact together. 💙

🌟 Lead. Advocate. Make an Impact. Become a NATA Foundation Ambassador! 💙

Ready to take your involvement in athletic training to the next level? The NATA Foundation Ambassador Program brings together passionate leaders who help expand our mission and strengthen support across the AT community.

As an Ambassador, you’ll:
🔹 Promote & Educate — Share Foundation programs and impact in your region
🔹 Lead & Inspire — Grow your leadership skills and mentor future ATs
🔹 Support & Fundraise — Help advance research, scholarships, and professional development

Whether you’re a student or certified AT, this is your opportunity to give back and make a lasting difference.

👉 Apply today:
https://www.natafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Ambassador-Open-Call_2025.pdf

💙 Celebrating Service. Honoring Impact. 💙

During National Volunteer Week & Global Volunteer Month, the NATA Foundation is proud to recognize and celebrate our incoming 2026 Committee Members! 👏

These dedicated volunteers are helping advance the athletic training profession through their leadership, expertise, and commitment to research, education, and service. We are grateful for the time and passion they bring to our mission.

🌟 Want to get involved? We’re currently accepting applications!
Now recruiting for:
🔹 Pronouncements Committee Member (through May 8)
🔹 Access & Collective Engagement Committee Chair
🔹 Access & Collective Engagement Committee Members & Student Member
🔹 Ambassador Program Members (ATs & students nationwide)

This is your opportunity to make an impact, grow as a leader, and give back to the profession.

👉 Learn more & apply:
https://www.natafoundation.org/who-we-are/fdtn-committees/