We are very sad to inform you that NATA Associate Executive Director Rachael Oats, CAE, our beloved friend and colleague, passed away over the weekend. Rachael had been fighting a tough battle with cancer. Although she had small victories throughout her battle, her condition worsened, and she passed away peacefully in hospice.

This is very difficult news for all of us as Rachael has been a staple at NATA for more than 20 years, working in many different capacities. Through the years, she was always dedicated to making the athletic training profession better any way she could. NATA recently named her an honorary member because of her dedication to improving the athletic training profession. Visit the NATA Now blog to read more about Rachael, share a memory or donate to the Rachael Oats Memorial Scholarship for Athletic Training.

Students: Do you want to get involved with NATA and represent your fellow students on the national level? The NATA Student Leadership Committee is seeking applicants for multiple positions on the 2020-21 committee. If you are interested in representing your district, you're strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are due by Nov. 26. READ MORE

Supplementary content for the November NATA News is available on the NATA Now blog. There, you can read more from AT innovators Jeff Allen, MEd, ATC, and Michael Kordecki, DPT, SCS, ATC, as well as the Own Your Impact columnist René Revis Shingles, PhD, AT, ATC. READ MORE

Volleyball is one of the most popular sports for women, ranking No. 2 in team sports for both high schools and the NCAA. It is also growing in popularity with male athletes at the high school and collegiate levels. The November NATA News features an infographic handout on volleyball safety. The handout includes information about common volleyball injuries as well as tips for health and safety. READ MORE

NATA will lend its voice to the 2019 Health Professions Week (HPW) Nov. 16-21. As the biggest career event for health professions, HPW brings together various health profession organizations to promote health care careers to high school students, college students, career changers, parents, advisors and counselors. HPW is a six-day, one-stop shop of events to explore more than 20 career options. READ MORE