LSU Kinesiology's Amanda Benson Named “Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer” by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association
July 01, 2024
Amanda Benson, PhD, LAT, ATC, was recognized as “Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer” by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). Benson was recognized at the association’s 2024 convention held in New Orleans this
past June. With thousands of members worldwide, Benson is among elite company, being
1 of 14 individuals to receive one of the most prestigious distinctions in the field. 
“It is extremely humbling to be nominated for such a prestigious award and an honor to be placed in a category with such amazing professionals," said Benson. "I have been blessed to have worked with incredible mentors throughout my career who poured into me and instilled the value of hard work and dedication. These are the values I try to impress on our students every day, as they are not only representatives of LSU but are also the future of our profession.”
To achieve this prestigious award, a candidate must be a NATA member, have 20 years of BOC certification, and be at least a 20-year member of NATA. The award recognizes NATA members who have exhibited exceptional commitment to leadership, volunteer service, advocacy, and distinguished professional activities as athletic trainers.
NATA is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers and others supporting athletic training. Founded in 1950, NATA has grown to more than 38,000 members worldwide. Most certified athletic trainers choose to be members of NATA to support their profession and receive a broad array of membership benefits. By joining forces as a group, NATA members can accomplish more for the athletic training profession than individually.
"We are fortunate to have one of the best Athletic Training programs in the country due largely to Dr. Benson's incredible work and dedication," said John Nauright, PhD, LSU School of Kinesiology Director. "This award is a testament to her professional excellence and outstanding leadership.”
Benson is currently the Program Director for the Athletic Training Education Program and Professor of Professional Practice in the School of Kinesiology, a position she has held since Spring 2015. She is an active volunteer in the profession of athletic training, serving in various capacities throughout her career. She is the former chair of the National Research and Education Foundation Scholarship Committee and the chair of the Commission on Accreditation for the Athletic Training Education Accreditation Review Team. She has worked providing medical coverage for various events such as the Walt Disney Marathons, the Central American Games, and USA Tae Kwon Do. She has also completed terms as the laboratory coordinator for the Student Southeast Athletic Trainers Association, the District IX Representative on the National College and University Athletic Training Student Committee, SEATA’s Most Distinguished Athletic Trainers Committee, the chair of the Student SEATA Senate and the Alabama Representative on the Research and Education Foundation Committee. She currently serves as the education coordinator for the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association, is a CAATE Peer Review Committee member, and is the Ad Hoc Chair of the Policy and Procedure Committee for the SEATA. She was inducted into the SEATA Hall of Fame in 2024 & received the NATA Service Award in 2022.
About SOK
The LSU School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS, Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College of Human Sciences & Education.
Visit the School of Kinesiology website.
About CHSE
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan.