Hampton, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg Director of Athletic Training Services, Brittany Smith, was bestowed the 2026 College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year award by the Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association (VATA) during the annual VATA meeting this year.

Smith's incredible honor was earned through dedication, selflessness and hard work. The VATA wrote "her contribution has promoted not only the common mission of the Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association, but has positively influenced the patient population in which she serves." 

She was chosen from a pool of dozens of athletic trainers in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and her fellow athletic trainers lauded her excellence in practice and overall significant additions to the field of athletic training.

"Brittany was praised by former students and colleagues for her professionalism, ethical practice, dedication, and compassion," said VATA Past President, Michael Kotelnicki, while presenting Smith with the award. "She knows how to make each athlete she comes in contact with feel understood so they leave better than how she found them. Several coaches owed their success to her efforts and care of their student-athletes. She also strives to mentor and develop young professionals, especially the next generation of athletic trainers. Her positive attitude, smile, and dedication to the profession leaves an impact on those around her. Brittany has certainly left a lasting impact on the students, athletes, and colleagues that she has interacted with over the years."

An award which was first announced in 2012, the VATA College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year represents the best-of-the-best athletic trainers in Virginia at the university and college level. In 2020, Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Wellness, Caroline Wesley Siler, earned this award. The University of Lynchburg is fortunate to have one of the top athletic training personnel groupings and programs in Virginia and across the country.

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