January VATA Newsletter 
2026 VATA Annual Meeting
We had so much fun at the 2026 VATA Annual Meeting and Symposium! Join us in Blacksburg, VA for the 2027 VATA Annual Meeting at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center from January 8 - 10, 2027!
Annual Meeting Surveys
As a reminder, in order to receive CEUs, you must complete evaluations for EACH session you attended AND the overall program evaluation. The deadline to complete evaluations has been extended. Evaluations are to be completed no later than January 31, 2026. Statements of credit (CE certificates) will be emailed by March 1, 2026.
Didn't receive the link to complete the surveys via the email you used to register? Let us know by contacting [email protected].
Honors & Awards
Congratulations to the 2026 VATA Award Winners!
VATA Hall of Fame Class of 2026
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Christopher S. Tucker
MS, LAT, ATC |
Paul Peterson
MA, LAT, ATC |
Michael Woodhouse
PhD, AT Ret. |
Athletic Trainers of the Year
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Vito Perriello Secondary Schools AT of the Year
Mackenzie Enterline
MS, LAT, ATC
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College/University AT of the Year
Brittany Smith
MS, LAT, ATC
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Researcher of the Year
Jatin P. Ambegaonkar
PhD, LAT, ATC
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Educator of the Year
Connie L. Peterson
PhD, LAT, ATC
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Free Communications Presentation Awards
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Professional Student Award
S'Zahria Jones |
Doctoral Student Award
Kelley Wiese, PhD, LAT, ATC |
Certified Professional Award
Kim Pritchard, PhD, LAT, ATC |
Quiz Bowl Champions
Congratulations to the 2026 VATA Quiz Bowl champions, Shenandoah University!
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1st Place
Shenandoah University
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2nd Place
The University of Virginia
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3rd Place
James Madison University
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AT Olympics Winners
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1st Place
"The Cavs"
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Thank you to everyone that participated!
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Executive Council Report
Executive Council Transitions
Please welcome the following individuals as they step into their new leadership roles within the VATA!
President
Kirk Armstrong
President-Elect
Tom Campbell
Past President
Mike Kotelnicki
VATA Pulse
Check out this new resource on our website from the current VATA President! The VATA Pulse, a monthly video update, is your go-to source for insights and information to help you keep the "pulse" on all things VATA! Be sure to check out this month's updates by clicking below:
Region Representatives Reports
Regional Representatives Transitions
Shenandoah Region
Please welcome Kwadwo Donkor as your new Shenandoah Valley Region Rep!
Need to lookup which region you represent or how to contact your Region Rep? Visit vata.us/Regional_Representatives.
Committee Reports
Committee Chair Transitions
Student Affairs Committee Co-Chairs
Please welcome Samm Scarneo-Miller and Peyton Clark as the new Co-Chairs for the Student Affairs Committee! Thank you Jenn Cuchna for your many years of service as the Chair!
Secondary SchoolS Committee
Spend Valentine's Day with the VATA! Join us on February 14th from 9 - 4pm for our 2026 Secondary School Symposium at Monacan High School! Please click below for details and registration.
Free CEU and Social - Friday, February 13, 2026 | 6 pm
Join us the night before the symposium, Friday February 13th, at Three Notch'd Brewing Company at 6pm for a free CEU and social opportunity! To register, please add the Free CEU Event ticket to your registration when registering for the Secondary School Symposium.
Scholarships Committee
Congratulations to the 2 VATA Student Professional Development Scholarship Winners!
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Caitlyn Sweet
Shenandoah University
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Trilby Kite
Shenandoah University
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Upcoming Events
Hit the Hill Day
Hit The Hill Day is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026! Planning to attend Hit The Hill Day? Please complete the registration form below:
Secondary School Symposium
The 2026 VATA Secondary School Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 9 - 4 pm at Monacan High School with a free CEU and social opportunity on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 6pm at Three Notch'd Brewing Company! Please click below for details and registration:
Secondary Schools Symposium Details and Registration