Gribble Named Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer by NATA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2025) — Phillip Gribble, PhD, ATC, FNATA, professor and chair of the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition here in the College of Health Sciences, has been named a 2025 Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).

Gribble received the honor in June at the NATA Annual Meeting, one of the profession’s highest recognitions.

“To receive the MDAT, a nominee has to demonstrate a career of engagement with our profession in multiple ways,” Gribble said. “This is unique from what we often recognize in academia with teaching awards or research awards. I am very humbled to receive the MDAT and thankful for the opportunities I have to work with students, colleagues and mentors throughout my career that have helped me be successful in education, research and service contributions to the membership of the NATA.”

Gribble was informed of the honor in February 2025 following a formal application process in the fall of 2024.

“I was incredibly honored,” he said. “This is one of the highest awards from the NATA to its members, and it is a recognition by your peers of a successful career and important contributions to the profession of athletic training.”

Gribble, who holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a doctorate from Penn State, has earned international recognition for his research in ankle instability and the neuromuscular consequences of lower extremity injuries. He previously served as co-director of the International Ankle Consortium.

Throughout his career, he has authored or co-authored more than 155 peer-reviewed manuscripts and presented more than 275 abstracts at scientific meetings worldwide. His research, currently funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and FEMA, focuses on injury prevention and rehabilitation in tactical populations such as military personnel and firefighters.

Gribble is also a University of Kentucky Research Professor and a 2020 recipient of the NATA Foundation Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research.

The Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer award recognizes NATA members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, advocacy and professional activity at the national and district levels. It is among the most prestigious awards presented by the association.

Founded in 1950, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association is the professional membership organization for certified athletic trainers and others who support the profession. With members across the globe, NATA promotes the advancement and visibility of athletic training through advocacy, research and education.

For more information about NATA and the MDAT award, visit www.nata.org