DALTON, Ga. - Megan Kennedy, an athletic trainer with Hamilton Sports Medicine serving Dalton State Athletics, has been named the recipient of the Doug Boersma New Horizon Award, which honors one collegiate athletic trainer annually for emerging leadership and impact on campus, in the profession and in the community. She will be recognized at the NATA Clinical Symposium in Philadelphia, Pa. on June 30th. 
 
The award, presented by the National Athletic Trainers' Association's Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine, recognizes athletic trainers who exemplify the attributes of a future leader. It is named for the late Purdue administrator Doug Boersma, who led integrative medical and performance services across 18 sports and is remembered for championing collaborative, athlete-centered care.
 
Kennedy's selection reflects the breadth of her multi-sport coverage and the consistency of her care standards across teams, practices, competitions and travel. Colleagues and coaches cite her concise, evidence-based communication and calm decision-making as hallmarks of her work in a dynamic collegiate environment.
 
"She sets a standard for how we take care of student-athletes every day," said Ben Rickett, Dalton State athletic director. "Megan's impact goes far beyond game-day coverage. She routinely goes above and beyond the basic duties of an athletic trainer, consistently bringing the right people to the table to support the whole student-athlete."
 
A resourceful program builder, Kennedy has strengthened departmental infrastructure through emergency action planning, venue readiness, and clear return-to-play/return-to-learn protocols rooted in current science. She has also secured advanced resources for the athletics program at reduced or no cost, modernizing care while demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
 
Her model emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, connecting student-athletes with local providers and aligning sports medicine with mental health and nutrition services. Kennedy is frequently chosen for community-facing initiatives, including free injury screenings and outreach events that expand access to care and raise the visibility of athletic training in the region.
 
"I am blessed to have Megan by my side at Hamilton Sports Medicine and Dalton State Athletics," said Sherman Howze, Dalton State head athletic trainer. "Watching her grow into a confident leader, mentor, and advocate for both our athletes and our profession has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career."
 
Kennedy also advances student-athlete and early-career education. As a clinical preceptor for Lee University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, she equips emerging professionals, particularly women in athletic training, to communicate clearly, set boundaries and advocate for athlete safety using current evidence.
 
Within her department, she provides structured mentorship to new graduate athletic trainers, guiding case reviews and joint evaluations that help build independent judgment and earn trust from coaches and athletes.
 
Howze added, "The New Horizon Award doesn't just recognize her potential; it confirms what we already know: Megan is actively shaping the future of athletic training, whether she is recognized or not. This award is well deserved and just the beginning of what she's going to do in this field."
 
Recent recipients of the New Horizon Award include Steve Hillmer (2025), Jenna Morogiello-Shaw (2024), Alyssa Vaniman (2023) and Devon Serrano (2022), underscoring the award's focus on early-career leaders transforming collegiate sports medicine.
 
Kennedy's ongoing pursuit of a doctorate in psychology further reflects her commitment to holistic athlete care and to integrating mental health considerations into performance and recovery.