Recognizing the Future of Athletic Training

The 2026 Henry Schein Medical Athletics & Schools Rising Star Award honors emerging Athletic Trainers who are already shaping the future of Sports Medicine. Designed for recent graduates with one to five years of experience, this award spotlights professionals whose impact, leadership, and drive set them apart early in their careers.

Each year, the Henry Schein Medical Athletics & Schools Recognition Committee selects outstanding candidates who exemplify excellence, growth, and forward momentum in Athletic Training.

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the 2026 Rising Star Award.

Finalists will be announced on March 23, 2026!

Submissions must be completed by a colleague or supervisor with the nominee's permission. Self-nominations are not accepted. Strong nominations clearly highlight measurable achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions that demonstrate why the candidate represents the next generation of athletic training excellence.

Rising Star winner receives:

$500 Henry Schein Merchandise Credit

Plus prizes from Nexus Sports Medicine® and Hyperice®

Nexus Sports Medicine®

Nemesis™: Smaller crossbody sling bag with a horizontal opening, including rain cover, and modular pouch compatibility, ideal for sideline restocking and quick access.

Dragonfly™: Flagship fanny pack that converts to a sling or crossbody with included straps, offering glove access and organized internal compartments.

Drone™: Versatile MOLLE-backed pouch that functions as a rip-away pouch, travel pouch, minimalist fanny pack, or minimalist sling with an integrated glove dispenser.

Firefly™ : Compact pouch with an elastic glove pocket, scissor retention, and MOLLE clips that can be used as a stand-alone hip kit or mounted to other gear.

Hyperice®

Venom 2 Back™: The perfect combination of heat and vibration to warm up and soothe sore lower back muscles.

Venom 2 Leg™: Melt away stress and tension in your leg with a powerful heated vibration massage from Venom 2 Leg™.

Venom 2 Shoulder™: Heat and vibration paired together to loosen muscle knots and maintain flexibility in the shoulders.

About the Rising Star Award

Created in 2021, the annual award honors emerging athletic trainers with one to five years of experience in the sports medicine industry. It recognizes recently graduated athletic trainers in the US who have not yet reached a senior-level position but have a strong career trajectory with the potential for forward advancement and appointment at the highest levels of the profession.

View the Rising Star Award Guidelines

2025 Rising Star Winner

Ian Jeffer, Head Athletic Trainer at Desert Ridge High School!

"I feel blessed to have this opportunity and look forward to using this platform to continue advocating for my athletes, educating my students, and contributing to the growth of the athletic training profession. As an athletic trainer, I strive to serve others with respect and compassion, recognizing the challenges our athletes face and helping them to overcome them.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Henry Schein Athletics and the sports medicine community for selecting me as the recipient of the 2025 Henry Schein Rising Star Award. I am truly humbled and grateful to be chosen from among so many incredible candidates. I am thankful for the chance to make a greater impact in this field and to be a faithful ambassador for this amazing profession."

- Ian Jeffer, Head Athletic Trainer at Desert Ridge High School