Student Writing Contest The NATA Foundation Athletic Training Student Writing Contest (SWC) is named for Deloss Brubaker, who chaired the contest for its first 30 years. Through this competition, a total of $1,000 is awarded by the NATA Foundation in 3 different contest divisions. Athletic training students enrolled in professional programs are eligible to participate in the following categories of submission (categories updated beginning in 2024 award cycle – more info below): Original Research ($500) Summary Evidence Research ($250) Clinical Practice Research ($250) The NATA Foundation is thankful for GLATA sponsoring the Student Writing Contest since 2019! IMPORTANT! Review the Submission Instructions and Contest Requirements prior to submitting. Below are the categories and the associated descriptions for exemplar full manuscripts: Original Research: Submission Guidelines Summary Evidence Research: Submission Guidelines Clinical Practice Research: Submission Guidelines Submission Window is closed for 2026 SWC SUBMISSION Questions? Please contact stephanier@nata.org. NEW STUDENT WRITING CONTEST CATEGORIES! The NATA Foundation is excited to announce updated categories for the Student Writing Contest. These new categories aim to expand the scope of the Student Writing Contest and provide a platform for students to submit their research projects that previously did not have a specific category. The following are the new categories for the Student Writing Contest: Original Research Summary Evidence Research Includes: critically appraised topics (CATS), literature reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses Clinical Practice Research Includes: quality improvement projects, case study/series, evidence practice reviews Participating in the Student Writing Contest offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to: Gain recognition for your hard work and academic achievements Provides a valuable opportunity for students and future researchers to engage in professional writing opportunities Network with fellow students and professionals in your field We encourage all students to take advantage of these new categories and submit your research projects accordingly. 2026 Award Winners BEST CLINICAL PRACTICE RESEARCH Sarah Greene – University of Montana “Identification and Management of Necrotizing Fasciitis in a College Football Player: A Level IV Case Study” Clinical Take Home Message: The prompt identification of necrotizing fasciitis and the initiation of treatment are important in improving the prognosis and decreasing complications that may arise. BEST SUMMARY EVIDENCE RESEARCH Guang Li – Idaho State University “Sub-symptom Threshold Aerobic Exercise for Adolescents With Persistent Post-concussion Symptoms (PPCS): A Critically Appraised Topic” Clinical Take Home Message: Upon synthesizing evidence from 7 qualifying studies it was determined that sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise improves symptom severity and exercise tolerance in adolescents with persistent post-concussion symptoms (≥28 days), supporting individualized exercise prescription. BEST ORIGINAL RESEARCH Suhani Rajeev Toshniwal – University of Virginia “Effectiveness of GCSP on Pain and Selective Physical Variables in Athletes with Abdominal TendinopathyRCT” Clinical Take Home Message: In athletes with abdominal tendinopathy, a graded core stabilization program reduced pain and improved abdominal strength and endurance more than general exercise, supporting its value as an effective conservative rehabilitation strategy. Past Student Writing Contest Awardees