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Padilla Named Athletic Trainer of the Year

Sun Devil Athletics’ Associate Head Athletic Trainer Diana Padilla was named the 2016 NATA College/University Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year, the National Athletic Trainers Association announced.

Padilla, who has worked with the Sun Devil women’s basketball program since 2008, will be recognized this summer at the NATA Symposium in Baltimore, Md.

“Sun Devil Athletics strives to create Championship Performance and Championship Life not only for our student-athletes but also among staff and coaches,” stated Jean Boyd, Senior Associate AD for Student Athlete Development and Performance. “Diana’s commitment to service to our student-athletes, in our athletic program and on a national level as a leader in the realm of athletic training exemplifies the Sun Devil Athletics Way.”

The College/University Athletic Trainers’ Committee recognizes one individual each year for exceptional performance as an Assistant Athletic Trainer across all levels of colleges and universities. Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, athletic training associations and promotion of the profession.

“This is a great honor for Diana and is reflective of her dedicated service to the athletic training profession in both student athlete care and service at multiple association levels,” Sun Devil Athletics’ Head Athletic Trainer Kenny McCarty said. “Congratulations to Diana on this great accomplishment. She is a great representative of both our department and Sun Devil Athletics.”

“We are thrilled that Diana continues to be recognized for all the hard work and effort she puts into caring for our student-athletes,” ASU head women’s basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne said. “The health and safety of our athletes is a crucial factor of our team’s success, and we couldn’t achieve that without Diana.”

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers and others who support the athletic training profession. Founded in 1950, the NATA has grown to more than 43,000 members worldwide today.

Padilla started her career as a student athletic trainer at New Mexico, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2003. She then joined the staff at Oregon State, where she pursued a master’s degree in exercise and sport science, and was hired there full-time in 2005.

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