2026 Grant Awardees

General Grant Category

Susan Yeargin, PhD, ATC
University of South Carolina
“The SCOPE Study: Advancing Detection of Exertional Sickling Through NIRS‑Measured Muscle Oxygenation and Painimation”
$36,995
Funded by: NATA Foundation

New Investigator Grant Category

Jennifer Xu, PhD, ATC, CSCS
University of Kentucky
“Textured Insoles to REstore Sensorimotor Function in Patients with Plantar Fasciopathy”
$19,998
Funded by: The Ted Quedenfeld Endowment – Established by Stephen E. Bair

Athletic Training Education and Practice Grant Category

Julie Cavallario, PhD, ATC
Old Dominion University
“Enhancing Salary Negotiation Preparedness Among Athletic Training Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Educational Interventions”
$19,800
Funded by: The Ted Quedenfeld Endowment – Established by Stephen E. Bair

Football Health and Safety Grant Category

Susan Yeargin, PhD, ATC
University of South Carolina
“SAFE‑FIT: A Standardized and Validated Assessment Tool of Football Equipment Fit to Improve Helmet Safety in Youth”
$20,000
Funded by: PFATS Foundation

Abigail Bretzin, PhD, ATC
University of South Carolina
“Adoption of the Guardian Cap across Division I Collegiate Football Programs: Identifying Motivations for Use and Concussion Prevention Effectiveness”
$20,000
Funded by: NATA Foundation and The Ted Quedenfeld Endowment – Established by Stephen E. Bair

2026 Grant Awardees

Taia MacEachern
University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa
“Using a Multifaceted Approach to Understand Concussion Health in Athletes”
$2,500
Funded by: The Abdenour Family Research Grant

Amara Sharp
University of Kentucky
“Ankle Joint Dysfunction in Aging Adults with Hip Osteoarthritis ”
$2,500
Funded by: Darren L. Johnson Doctoral Research Endowment

Jessica Vlisides
University of Wisconsin – Madison
“Identifying Early Imaging Markers of Fatigue-Related UCL Compromise Using Quantitative Ultrasound During Cyclic Loading ”
$2,500
Funded by: James R. Andrews MD Research Endowment

Sarah Woelfel
University of Nebraska – Omaha
“Structure–Function Relationships in Chronic Ankle Instability: An Evaluation of Anterior Talofibular Ligament Characteristics Across Subgroups ”
$2,500
Funded by: PFATS Kent and Maxine Falb Doctoral Research Grant

Takhyun Yoo
University of Connecticut 
“Corticospinal and Intracortical Excitability of the Gluteus Maximus in Patellofemoral Pain Compared to Healthy Controls and Its Association with Lower Extremity Biomechanics during a Functional Task ”
$2,500
Funded by: Malacrea Research Endowment

2026 Grant Awardees

Katie Braid
University of Maine
“Evaluation of a Hydration Strategy to Improve Fluid Consumption during Marching Band Performances”
$1,000
Funded by: Women in Athletic Training Research Endowment

Mackenzie Schalk
University of Nebraska Omaha
“Preseason Clinical and Biomechanical Screening Profiles in Baseball Players with and Without Shoulder Pathologies”
$1,000
Funded by: Malacrea Research Endowment

Ikheon Song
University of Nebraska Omaha
“Gait Parameters During Unconstrained Walking in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability”
$1,000
Funded by: Ted Quedenfeld Research Endowment