OXFORD, Ohio -- The River States Conference is pleased to announce the selection of Midway University Head Athletic Trainer Anthony Passarette as the 2024-25 River States Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year. Passarette, who just completed her fifth season as an Eagle, earns the AT of the Year Award for the first time, and is the second SMWC trainer to win the award in its nine years of existence.
The RSC Athletic Trainer of the Year award annually recognizes outstanding dedication, service and care in the athletic training field for RSC member institutions and the conference as a whole. It was established in 2016-17. The trainer recognized as RSC Athletic Trainer of the Year is forwarded to the national office for consideration for NAIA Athletic Trainer of the Year.
Midway University Interim Athletic Director Heath Morgan stated Passarette is a positive presence on the Midway University campus, beyond just his treatment of athletes.
Even when faced with the toughest of situations, Anthony always seems to have a smile on his face; his personality is infectious and he goes out of his way to care for the student-athletes," Morgan said. "Even when an athlete might be scared to come back from an injury, Anthony is always there to encourage them and is always pushing them to be the best versions of themselves."
Not only is Passarette heavily involved in the care of Midway’s student-athletes, but outside of his work for Midway, he serves as the area coordinator for colleges and universities in the Lexington region. He was recently named Athletic Trainer of the Year for colleges and universities by the Kentucky Athletic Trainers' Society.
YEAR BY YEAR -- RIVER STATES CONFERENCE ATHLETIC TRAINER OF THE YEAR
2016-17 -- Tara Gerlach, Rio Grande (Ohio)
2017-18 -- Tara Gerlach, Rio Grande (Ohio)
2018-19 -- Andrew Bolt, Asbury (Ky.)
2019-20 -- Ariel Allman, Midway (Ky.)
2020-21 -- Kristen Semrow, IU Southeast
2021-22 -- Ashley Interrante, Point Park (Pa.)
2022-23 -- Tara Gerlach, Rio Grande (Ohio)
2023-24 -- Shannon Hamilton, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (Ind.)
2024-25 -- Anthony Passarette, Midway (Ky.)