2011 Election-District Director (3 of 5)

 How do you see YPs contributing to the future of SWATA?

Mike Carroll-Athletic Trainer, Stephenville High School

The YPs have already made a huge impact on this association in their short existence.  Since I was elected to the SWATA Executive Board we proposed to the membership and passed a new constitution.  This changed the structure of the SWATA Executive Board to include an at-large position who will be a voting member of the board.  This would be a perfect position for a YP.  I can think of no better way to contribute to the future of the organization than to be on the executive board.  Also for the YPs to continue to help mold and shape the future it is critical that as a demographic continue to stay involved and complete projects that they identify as positively affecting not only YPs, but all athletic trainers in general.

Bucky Taylor-Athletic Trainer, Mesquite ISD

They are the future of our organization.  I think that the best way that they can contribute to the future of the organization is through being active in the professional organization and providing insight into how to effectively communicate the needs and concerns of this important group.  This could come through using social media or some similar tool.

Kathy Dieringer-Athletic Trainer/Co-Owner, D&D Sports Med

Young Professionals are a vital component of the future of SWATA and the NATA, because they set the tone for what is to come. I applaud the Young Professionals Committee for starting a movement for increased involvement early in your careers, as well as a desire to improve your job conditions from the onset. As a leader in the profession, my responsibility is to find a way to keep the young professionals involved throughout your careers. Our young professionals have become better than their predecessors at the life balancing skills we all aspire to obtain, prioritizing our lives so that family comes first, and expecting that our employer values what we do. As this trend continues, our entire profession will improve as a whole in this regard.

Ron Carroll-Head Athletic Trainer, Arkansas State University

Young professionals have new ideas, YP’s have votes needed with federal, state and local athletic training licensing issues, YP’s are our future leaders, YP’s are contributing members of this great athletic training organization.