Donjanae Chamberlain, MS, LAT, ATC

Meet Donjanae Chamberlain, Athletic Trainer for Community Health Network at Anderson High School! After graduating with her undergraduate degree from the University of Saint Francis and a master's from Manchester University, Donjanae became an AT to give back to the community, which helped her grow.

Heroically, on the first day of the school year, Donjanae jumped into action, administering life-saving care to a teacher suffering from cardiac arrest. Thanks to the quick and precise actions of Donjanae and her colleagues, the teacher has since fully recovered and is able to enjoy life once again.

Beyond the athletic training room, she:

• Built Anderson High's athletic training program from the ground up;
• Administered life-saving care to a teacher suffering from cardiac arrest

"I wanted to give back to the community that has helped me become the woman I am today. My relationships built through athletic training mean everything to me, inspiring me to be better and work harder every day. I love to see the smiles on my athletes' faces when they're able to get back to the sport they love and compete at full health," said Donjanae. "Being nominated for this award shows that my love and dedication to the profession has paid off. I hope it shows student-athletes that they too can lead the way for those in their own communities."

Christopher Freeborough, MBA, LAT, ATC

Meet Christopher Freeborough, Athletic Trainer for Monessen School District! A leader within his community, Chris achieved a 4.0 GPA while earning his MBA/MHA from West Liberty University.

In an extreme act of bravery, Chris served as a first responder after a shooting occurred during an all-star football game, treating victims and several spectators who were injured exiting the stadium.

Beyond the athletic training room, he:

• Acquired $20,000 in grant money to build high school athletic training facilities for a Title I school in Pennsylvania;
• Assisted several schools across the Mon Valley and greater Pittsburgh area to create school-employed athletic training positions;
• Participated on the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center s (UPMC) Pre-Hospital Care and Peer Interview Committees;
• Chaired the UPMC s Department Orientation and Mentoring Committee;
• Provided per diem athletic training services to schools facing staffing shortages.

“The most rewarding aspect of being an athletic trainer is our impact on our patients’ lives, helping them become the best versions of themselves on and off the field. Whether it’s returning them to the sport they love, stronger than when they received an injury, or through daily conversation, helping them through adversity with life lessons that will carry well beyond sports, the rapport we build with our patients is unlike any other profession,” said Christopher. “Being named as a 2024 Rising Star finalist reaffirms that I have found my niche within the profession, blending modern knowledge with holistic thinking to help address needs within my community. Being nominated shows that my efforts are valued.”

Brittany Iaiennaro

Meet Brittany Iaiennaro, Athletic Trainer for Iona University! Attaining her undergraduate degree at Springfield College and her master’s from A.T. Still University, Brittany is passionate about mentoring and educating the next generation of health care professionals.

Sought after for her dedication and knowledge, Brittany is respected among coaches, students, and peers, now serving as the Men’s Basketball athletic trainer. Beyond the athletic training room, she:

• Has 11 professional certifications;
• Spearheads an initiative to bolster Iona s mental health services, serving as the conduit between student-athletes and the counseling center;
• Worked as a per diem athletic trainer for Chandler Youth Pop Warner Football, Baseball Factory Under Armour All-America, and AT Direct Sports Medicine, all located throughout Arizona.

“I entered this profession with an aspiration to help athletes, both mentally and physically, and I’m grateful that Iona has entrusted me with their premier sport,” said Brittany.

Victoria Simpson, MS, LAT, ATC

Meet Victoria Simpson, Assistant Football Athletic Trainer for the University of Missouri! With an impressive journey, Victoria holds a master s degree from the University of South Carolina and has previously worked with Memphis University, the New York Jets, and the WNBA s Connecticut Sun!

Victoria is passionate about increasing representation in health care and the athletic training community. Beyond the athletic training room, she:

• Serves on the NATA’s Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee;
• Spearheads philanthropic efforts, helping to raise $90,000 for minority-based scholarships;
• Works with organizations addressing childhood hunger, mental well-being, and economic empowerment;
• Designs programs and mentors disadvantaged high school students through the BK-SWAG CHAMPS program, inspiring them to pursue careers in health care .

“Despite the demanding hours that often blend days together, the most fulfilling aspect is the time dedicated to cultivating relationships with each student-athlete. As athletic trainers, we serve as a support system for our patients, both on and off the field. While it is gratifying to witness former patients return to play, the true reward is when they revisit the athletic training room, not for treatment, but for a casual conversation or a shared laugh, long after they’ve graduated from rehabilitation,” said Victoria. “Being named a finalist for the 2024 Rising Star award is a humbling recognition of my dedication to the profession. This nomination is a testament to the countless hours of hard work, the unwavering commitment to my patients’ well-being, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of my practice. This honor is not just for me but for every patient I’ve had the privilege to support and every colleague who has inspired me along the way.”

John Sunchild

Athletic Trainer, Rocky Boy Health Center

• John Sunchild is committed to bringing athletic training services to Native Americans living on rural reservations. He established the first AT position on his home reservation, building the role from the ground up. Becoming a member of the NWATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee, John has been instrumental in identifying and addressing issues faced by people of color as they pursue careers in athletic training. He is dedicated to helping underserved and underrepresented populations within the athletic training profession.
• John also worked with the Montana Athletic Trainers' Association president to create an evidence-based design accreditation and certification for Montana and will serve as its first chairperson. Last year, he was recognized as the recipient of the 2022 Northwest Athletic Trainers' Association ElevATe Award.
• "My proudest moment was bringing the profession to my homeland of Rocky Boy, helping to create the first athletic training position on the reservation. Our tribal youth deserve the opportunity to better themselves through education, health care, and sports, and athletic training can provide those opportunities with long-lasting positive effects on reservations and in rural health care. I'm excited to be named as a Rising Star finalist to set an example for Native American youth nationwide. If you are dedicated to a goal, you will achieve it no matter the obstacles."

Dillon Zarrelli

LAT, ATC, Clinical Assistant, Carolina Family Practice and Sports Medicine

• Dillon Zarrelli partnered with a fellow AT to resuscitate a spectator who collapsed during the City of Oaks Volleyball Challenge. While his colleague performed CPR, Dillon quickly secured an AED, administering shocks between compressions. The man's heart restarted, and paramedics were able to transport the patient. While Dillon was hired to care for the athletes, he did not hesitate to help a spectator and fellow human.
• In addition to his regular job responsibilities, Dillon has signed on to help with a multi-site research study in conjunction with Children's National Hospital, attempting to expand the concussion symptom scale. He completed additional training to participate and will help contribute to the body of knowledge around concussion assessment and treatment for all health care professionals.
• Dillon also helps with many community partnerships, spending extra hours before and after work to assist with pre-participation exams for our local middle school, high school, and professional athletes, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Courage, and North Carolina Football Club. He is active in the community, administering concussion baseline testing to hundreds of youth players. Dillon also takes the time to educate athletes and parents about the importance of baseline concussion testing, and his passion for the profession is evident in his work.
• "I wake up every day knowing that I get to make a difference in someone's life – it's the best part of being an athletic trainer. This award shows that people recognize the value of ATs, and I feel deeply honored to have been nominated. Not only do I feel valued for my work, but it gives me a sense that my contributions are making an impact, even as a young professional."

Caitlyn Bucco

Head Athletic Trainer, Half Hollow Hills High School East

• Caitlyn Bucco recently performed a life-saving intervention at Half Hollow Hills High School East, using an AED and performing CPR to save the life of a student's parent who suffered a cardiac arrest during a basketball game. The individual survived and is alive and well today, thanks to Caitlyn's expert response. In addition to this event, she works tirelessly to ensure that her school district has enough AEDs that are easily accessible, identifiable, and serviced properly.
• "I decided to become an athletic trainer after getting my first concussion. Knowing that a health care professional is there from the initial incident to the evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and eventual return to play is incredible – and I wanted to be that person! My ATs have aided in my recovery from countless physical injuries while also helping me cope with them mentally. I'm thrilled to be a Rising Star finalist and see the attention the profession is getting, and I feel extremely lucky to be in a career where I can help others!"

Brittany Cardone

Athletic Trainer, Anahuac Independent School District

• Brittany Cardone, or "Doc B" as she's known around her school, was the first full-time athletic trainer on campus at Anahuac ISD. Over the last several years, she developed a student-athletic training program, allowing many to explore various careers in the medical field and obtain hands-on experience.
• "In college and high school, I was often the injured athlete. Behind every sprain, tear, or concussion were my amazing athletic trainers who dedicated their time and effort to get me back on the field. I looked up to them and was inspired to join the profession. I'm very proud to be an athletic trainer, and I absolutely love my job. Knowing that my students and community recognized my dedication and felt compelled to nominate me for this award is heartwarming!"

Nicole Rizzo

MS, LAT, ATC, Athletic Trainer, East Stroudsburg Area School District

• Nicole Rizzo is passionate about mental health and consistently works to break the stigma surrounding it. She advocates for her student-athletes and is working on an initiative to help create an after-school program for students facing mental health struggles. And because of her efforts, the school has already implemented a mental health employee assistance program (EAP).
• Nicole has built excellent relationships with her athletes, understanding their challenges and advocating for them every day. She started and continues to host an ongoing equipment drive to support students who may not be able to purchase their own athletic supplies, affording them the opportunity to participate. Often working around the clock, she goes out of her way to contact parents anytime to check on injured athletes, offering her support and guidance.
• "After a surgery left me spending countless hours with my athletic trainers, I decided I wanted to be someone other athletes could rely on in their time of need. Athletic training is so much more than helping someone recover from an injury. While we are qualified medical professionals, we often serve as friends, confidants, and our athletes' biggest fans. We want to see them succeed in their sport and in their personal lives. We push them to become the best version of themselves."

The Rising Star was nominated by their peers!

Based on predetermined criteria, 6 finalists were selected by the Recognition Committee.

Voting on the 2022 Rising Star winner was left in the hands of our social followers and community!

Lauren White

Head Athletic Trainer, Robert Toombs Christian Academy, Montgomery Co. High School | Statesboro, GA

• Lauren is the first athletic trainer on staff for two rural high schools and is building their programs from scratch. Because the programs are new, she has devoted her time to raising money for rehabilitation equipment, supplies, and other materials needed to care for her patients.
• She provides the highest quality care for her athletes, going out of her way to attend doctor's appointments when needed, performing research to better understand an injury or rehabilitation protocol, and consistently staying late to ensure her athletes receive adequate time and attention to their injury.
• In addition, Lauren frequently attends school meetings to advocate for the profession and provide education to parents, other athletes, and physicians on the role she plays.
• "Like many others, I became an athletic trainer (AT) because of an injury I experienced in high school. Although it wasn't season-ending, it left me with gait abnormalities that I live with today. I didn't receive the kind of treatments and rehabilitation I could have if an athletic trainer had been employed at my school. I'm excited to be nominated as a Rising Star finalist because it validates the work I've been doing with my student-athletes and gives us all the chance to educate athletes, parents, and even other health care providers on the importance of ATs."

Dylan Bradley

Head Athletic Trainer, Panther Valley High School, St. Luke's Sports Medicine | Lansford, PA

• Dylan is a great asset to the Panther Valley School District and surrounding community and a role model for young professionals and other athletic trainers at St. Luke's University Health Network. He has started many initiatives to better the community and population he works with, recognizing issues within the secondary school sports medicine setting and correlating them to community health disparities.
• Dylan has achieved the NATA Safe Sports School Award and has completed the Community Health Worker course to obtain a CHW certification. Not only does he provide exceptional care to his athletes, but he has also worked closely with the school to create emergency kits, as well as the Panther Caring Pantry. This donation-based community closet allows students to grab essential home and hygiene supplies free of cost. Dylan also conducts courses for district staff, providing education on mental health, CPR/first aid, and more.
• "I was in 5th grade watching a playoff football game when I saw a player go down during one of the plays. I remember turning to my parents, saying, 'I want to be that person,' as I pointed to the athletic trainer running onto the field. I believe providing quality health care in an athletic setting is truly a dream job as it connects two of my passions. As a secondary school AT, I serve as a positive role model for my patients, helping them grow into young adults as they participate in a sport they enjoy. I truly don't think there's anything better than that!"

Brittany Cardone

Head Athletic Trainer, Anahuac High School | Anahuac, TX

• "Doc B," as Brittany has become known to her athletes, has a unique ability to make her AT room a comfortable space. Before games, you'll hear music playing as athletes are taped. Everyone trusts her to make the right decisions regarding their physical capabilities and medical needs.
• She was the first AT on staff at her school and quickly gained the trust of her patients. Before she arrived, athletes wouldn't speak up about their injuries, furthering complications as they continued to play on them.
• Brittany created the Anahuac Sports Medicine program from scratch and now has 12 student-athletic trainers under her guidance.
• "When I was a collegiate lacrosse player at Montclair State University, I was constantly in the athletic training room dealing with injuries. Having been told my pain was from shin splints up until that point, I never expected that it could be from anything else. But my AT was suspicious and sent me to an orthopedic doctor to get tested for chronic exertional compartment syndrome. It turns out that's exactly what I had, and I received treatment for it almost immediately. I was finally able to enjoy my senior year lacrosse season pain-free. Since that moment, I realized that I wanted to change an athlete's life. I recently graduated at the top of my class and found myself in Anahuac, Texas as the first district-employed AT."

Lauren Burish

Assistant Athletic Trainer, Indiana University South Bend | Warsaw, IN

• Lauren is a well-respected athletic trainer who is willing to go above and beyond for the program and her athletes. She is quick to volunteer as a guest lecturer on campus to help educate future health care providers on the profession and is currently taking leadership and emotional intelligence courses to better her skills. Lauren consistently strives to educate herself and recently became a certified nutrition coach. Her colleagues do not doubt that she will lead an organization, athletic training program, or national or state committee one day.
• In addition to her full-time AT role, she was asked to serve as an adjunct faculty member for IU South Bend in the health sciences department.
• Lauren was also recognized as the 2021 NATA ICSM staff AT of the year—the first NAIA member and youngest AT to win this award. She is a member of many national, state, and district-level AT communities and frequently volunteers to perform vital research.
• "After being hired as a student athletic training aide, my passion for athletic training grew as I observed allied health care professionals tackle new challenges and apply critical thinking skills to all ranges of injuries and illnesses. This award is a great opportunity for young professionals to showcase their hard work, leadership, and passion for athletic training immediately after graduation, which is a rarity. I am humbled to be nominated and selected as a finalist by my peers, amongst so many great athletic trainers."

Sheldon Burgess

Clinical Athletic Trainer, Saint Alphonsus Medical Group | Boise, ID

• Sheldon readily volunteers his time to help, no matter what's being asked of him. He donated much of his time in 2020 to assist in the COVID-19 testing tents, alleviating many staff members who had already worked long hours. On the field, he is loved and respected.
• Sheldon has taken a leadership role in the clinic where he works, helping to manage coverage and ensure his colleagues are taken care of. He has a unique ability to see each person's strengths and how they contribute to the organization as a whole.
• "It's a funny story, I mistakenly took a sports medicine class, thinking it would help me become a better athlete, but I instead fell in love with the combination of medicine and athletics. After taking three years of sports medicine classes in high school, I landed a spot at Boise State University. Our AT class became a family, and we quickly learned how each patient would come to impact our lives. It's such a rewarding profession. I'm proud to be able to serve as a bridge between various patient populations, coaches, parents, and physicians."

The Rising Star was nominated by their peers!

Based on predetermined criteria, 6 finalists were selected by the Recognition Committee.

Voting on the 2021 Rising Star winner was left in the hands of our social followers and community!

Being deemed a mentor to many of her female student-athletes and student ATs, she decided to become an AT after receiving care for an injury from her own high school AT.

• Has dedicated any rare free time to help support the multiple Texas families that has endured the recent power outages.
• Actively supporting the schools COVID testing program by volunteering to help students who need support with completing necessary paperwork.
• Helped to run the sports medicine pink t-shirt fundraiser, raising $2,500 for cancer research.

Her fascination around athletic training grew, after seeing several ATs care for a cowboy during a rodeo that she attended as a child.

• A Navajo woman herself, she is focused on establishing a secondary school athletic training outreach service for all schools on the Navajo reservation.
• Participating as a COVID contact tracer, she is helping to locate sick patients in areas where electricity and running water are limited.
• Helped in the creation of a group for other Native AT's which supports bringing AT services to Native American communities in Northern Arizona.

With a combination of passion for working with an active population and health care, has led her to the athletic training profession.

• Developed the Matthew Elsing Memorial Scholarship in honor of her late athletic training classmate. The self-funded award will help a graduating senior who is pursuing an athletic training degree.
• Independently decided to deliver meals to families and students who needed food during schools closures caused by COVID-19.
• Diligently worked with her university to develop a program to train staff on mental health first aid to support students struggling with a mental health crisis.

After shadowing her high school AT, she knew that athletic training was the career for her.

• Challenging traditional stereotypes of what a Football athletic trainer should be whiling starting the conversation around why women belong in the sport.
• Valiantly has been serving as the COVID testing coordinator, organizing and managing the weekly testing of over 400 athletes.
• Stepped up to coordinate the rehabilitation services for sports during a time of need.