We are thrilled to announce the finalists and winner of the inaugural Perry Weather 2023 Athletic Trainer Excellence Award.
With an overwhelming response of 700+ nominations, it’s clear that athletic trainers are incredibly loved and appreciated by their peers, athletes, and communities.
We’d like to express our immense gratitude to everyone who participated in this process and for recognizing the important role of athletic trainers in our schools and communities.
During the month of March 2023, individuals from all over the US nominated athletic trainers deserving of this award.
Our selection committee evaluated nominations based on the nominees’ years of service, track record of providing exemplary care and elevating the profession as a whole, stories about how the nominee consistently goes above and beyond in their duties, and the number of votes each nominee received.
And the winner is…
We are excited to announce that the recipient of the 2023 AT Excellence Award is David Csillan. With 37 years of service, David has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the student athletes in his care, staff, and community.
David has made a lasting impact on the athletic training profession through his dedication, innovation, and advocacy.
About the winner
David Csillan’s 37-year career in athletic training has made a significant impact on secondary school athletics, most recently in his role as Athletic Trainer at The Hun School of Princeton in New Jersey.
Beyond his primary role, David has collaborated and worked with organizations like the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), Special Olympics, and USA Football, as well as state lawmakers to develop and implement health and safety policies into law.
David actively participates in various athletic training committees and advisory boards across the country. He co-authored essential NATA guides including the “Pre-Season Heat Acclimatization Guidelines for Secondary School Athletics”.
These guidelines, along with his work on exertional heat stroke prevention, have no doubt saved many lives.
As a token of our appreciation, Perry Weather will donate $1,000.00 to the David Csillian’s preferred sports medicine scholarship fund, helping to foster the growth and advancement of this remarkable profession.
Top 10 finalists
We would also like to recognize the outstanding work and dedication of our top 10 finalists, who were selected from the 700+ nominations we received. These remarkable individuals have made a profound impact on their communities and the athletic training profession:
- David Csillan (Winner) – Hun School of Princeton, New Jersey
- Danielle (Danni) Werner – Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Illinois
- Dr. Keicha Rowles – Rockdale County Public Schools, Georgia
- Amanda Andrews – Life School Oak Cliff, Texas
- Megan Cavallo – West Milford High School, New Jersey
- Angie Johnson – J.L. Mann High School, South Carolina
- Carolyn Billings – Brigham Young University, Utah
- Brian Morrison – University of Maine at Presque Isle, Maine
- Maria Rosanelli-Allen – Richardson High School, Texas
- JoAnna (JoJo) Ruiz – Pharr San Juan Alamo North High School, Texas
