Dekaney High School Athletic Trainer, Thomas Woods, receives the 2018 Gatorade Secondary School Athletic Trainer Award.
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) has named Thomas Woods, athletic trainer at Andy Dekaney High School, as the 2018 Gatorade Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year for District 6 in recognition of his work to promote the health and safety of his student athletes.
The Gatorade Secondary School Athletic Trainer Award recognizes a certified trainer from each NATA district who has made outstanding contributions in furthering his or her high school’s athletic care program or the overall profession of secondary school athletic training. Woods is one of only 10 winners nationwide to receive the award in 2018.
“I am grateful to everyone who has supported my professional activities throughout my career, and appreciate the ongoing support that our friends at Gatorade provide to athletic trainers who work with young athletes,” said Woods. “I feel inspired by our students.”
Willie Amendola, the district’s athletic director, praised Woods for his commitment to students. “Tom does a wonderful job working with our kids, making sure they get medical care and proper treatments,” he said.
As a recipient of the award, Woods will receive:
- A $1,000 grant toward his school’s program;
- A selection of Gatorade G Series Performance Package items;
- A Gatorade Sidelines Cart;
- A branded Athletic SSAT Award Winner Jacket; and
- An all-expense paid trip to 2018 NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo.