Aug. 1, 2006

Longtime University of Missouri Athletic Trainer Eric McDonnell was named the Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year by the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

McDonnell, who is entering his 24th year at Mizzou, was presented the award at the organization's 57th Annual Meeting & Clinical Symposia in Atlanta earlier this summer.

He was recognized for professional excellence, as well as dedication to the College/University setting. NATA represents and supports the 30,000 members of the athletic training profession through education and research. Certified athletic trainers are unique health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses.

Upon graduating from MU in 1982 with a degree in secondary education, he served 17 years as the primary assistant trainer with the football program before joining the women's basketball program. Currently, he oversees women's golf, tennis and volleyball in addition to his duties with Cindy Stein's Tigers.

As part of his administrative duties in the athletic training room, McDonnell taught the Advanced Athletic Training Course for seven years, and coordinated the medical coverage of the Show-Me State Games for sixteen years. He also has received training as an EMT.

McDonnell currently serves as NATA District 5 President. He was President of the Missouri Athletic Trainers Association from 1997-99 and presently leads that organization's Governmental Affairs Committee. In June 2000, McDonnell was awarded the Glenn L. McElroy, MD, Distinguished Service Award - named for Mizzou's longtime team doctor - from MoATA. He was inducted into the Missouri Athletic Trainers Association Sports Medicine Hall of Fame in 2003.

The Platte City, Mo., native also earned a master's degree in educational administration from Missouri in 1986.