by Emily Stembridge
Jacob Woodard, MAE, ATC, NASM-CES, certified athletic trainer, has been named the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society Sandy Sandlin High School Athletic Trainer of the Year.
Through Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital’s (VWCH) outreach program at the four Wilson County high schools, Woodard serves as the head athletic trainer at Lebanon High School, where he provides evaluation, rehabilitation and treatment of injuries for student athletes. He frequently collaborates with Lance LeClere, MD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, to assist in getting injured Lebanon High School athletes evaluated and treated quickly and effectively.
“It is an honor to be recognized,” Woodard said. “Secondary school athletic trainers do way more than many people know — from working during the early phases of the pandemic to now, it is amazing to see how far this profession has come. I am grateful for the administration, coaches, parents, staff and student-athletes of Lebanon High School. Lastly, I cannot thank Dr. Lance LeClere and his staff at Vanderbilt Orthopaedics Lebanon enough for all they have done. I am honored to work for VUMC and serve as the athletic trainer at Lebanon High School.”
Woodard’s recognition is named after Sandy Sandlin, an athletic trainer for the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga whose dedication to athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional levels set an example for the profession.
The High School Athletic Trainer of the Year award is given to individuals whose effort exemplifies Sandlin’s perseverance and dedication.
“Jacob represents everything a high school athletic trainer should be,” LeClere said. “He always keeps the health and wellness of his student athletes at the center of everything he does. There is no doubt in my mind that the Lebanon High School community is healthy and thriving because of Jacob’s efforts. His professionalism, expertise, advocacy and overall impact in the Lebanon community has generated a high level of respect and admiration for the athletic training community.”
