University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mikey Reeves
Melanee Johnson Named NATA-ICSM Head Athletic Trainer of the Year
5/20/2025 11:54:00 AM | Delaware Athletics
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware Associate AD, Athletic Training Melanee Johnson, MS, LAT, ATC has been named the National Athletic Training Association Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine Head Athletic Trainer of the Year for NCAA Division I, the organization announced Tuesday.
"I am incredibly humbled to receive the Division I Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award, a profound honor that reflects the unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and relentless pursuit of excellence of our entire sports performance team," Johnson said. "This recognition truly underscores our united commitment to empower our student-athletes to thrive as the best holistic versions of themselves. This award isn't just for me; it belongs to every student-athlete whose well-being we champion, every coach whose trust we've earned, and every colleague whose expertise inspires me daily. I am profoundly grateful to help lead this vital endeavor."
Each year the Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine recognizes one individual for exceptional performance as a head athletic trainer in each of the following collegiate divisions: NCAA D1, NCAA D2, NCAA D3, NAIA, Two Year Institution and Club/Intramural/Recreational Sports. Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, athletic training associations and promotion of the profession.
"I am incredibly proud to see Mel nationally recognized as Head AT of the Year," Deputy AD, Competitive Excellence & Campus Recreation Dan Watson said. "This honor is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her excellence, leadership, and the unwavering dedication she brings to her work every day."
In her role at UD, Johnsons oversees the 15-member athletic training staff that provides coverage for the University's 22 varsity sports, spirit program, and club sports. She serves as the athletic trainer for the women's basketball program and an adjunct professor in the College of Health Sciences.
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"I am incredibly humbled to receive the Division I Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award, a profound honor that reflects the unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and relentless pursuit of excellence of our entire sports performance team," Johnson said. "This recognition truly underscores our united commitment to empower our student-athletes to thrive as the best holistic versions of themselves. This award isn't just for me; it belongs to every student-athlete whose well-being we champion, every coach whose trust we've earned, and every colleague whose expertise inspires me daily. I am profoundly grateful to help lead this vital endeavor."
Each year the Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine recognizes one individual for exceptional performance as a head athletic trainer in each of the following collegiate divisions: NCAA D1, NCAA D2, NCAA D3, NAIA, Two Year Institution and Club/Intramural/Recreational Sports. Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, athletic training associations and promotion of the profession.
"I am incredibly proud to see Mel nationally recognized as Head AT of the Year," Deputy AD, Competitive Excellence & Campus Recreation Dan Watson said. "This honor is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her excellence, leadership, and the unwavering dedication she brings to her work every day."
In her role at UD, Johnsons oversees the 15-member athletic training staff that provides coverage for the University's 22 varsity sports, spirit program, and club sports. She serves as the athletic trainer for the women's basketball program and an adjunct professor in the College of Health Sciences.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware Athletics, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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