South Colonie athletic trainer Aimee Brunelle is set to be inducted into the New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association (NYSATA) Hall of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the field statewide and her dedication to advancing the profession. This honor highlights Brunelle’s exceptional commitment and lasting impact on both the community and the South Colonie district.

Brunelle will be officially inducted at the Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association (EATA) conference on Jan. 10, 2025, in Philadelphia.

"Aimee's recognition and induction into the NYSATA Hall of Fame is a testament to her dedication and the expertise she has brought to our athletic department and district over the years," said Athletic Director Bill Roemer. "Her contributions have significantly benefited not only our student-athletes but also the entire athletic department. We couldn't be more proud of this well-deserved recognition."

To dive deeper into her professional journey and what this honor means to her, we sat down with Brunelle for a Q&A session, where she reflects on her career, achievements, and the significance of this milestone.

Q&A

What does it mean to you to be inducted into the New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association (NYSATA) Hall of Fame, and how does it reflect on your career in athletic training?

Being inducted into the NYSATA Hall of Fame is an incredible honor and a truly humbling milestone in my career. This recognition represents not only the culmination of years of dedication, learning, and growth but also the influence of countless mentors, colleagues, and students who have shaped my journey. It’s a reminder of how interconnected our profession is, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community.

For me, this honor reflects the impact of perseverance, passion, and a commitment to advancing student-athlete healthcare and the profession itself. It validates the efforts I’ve put into working with athletes at all levels, from high school teams to elite international competitors, and into advocating for the vital role athletic trainers play in sports and healthcare. It’s not just a recognition of past contributions but also a call to continue mentoring, leading, and inspiring others in the field.

Can you share a bit about your journey in athletic training and some of the key contributions that led to this recognition?

My journey into athletic training began with a love for sports and a desire to work in healthcare. Like many in my generation of athletic trainers, my introduction to the profession came through injury. As a student-athlete at Stony Brook University, I sustained a softball-related injury and was treated by the athletic trainers. Before that experience, I hadn’t known this profession existed. However, it quickly became clear that athletic training offered a unique opportunity to combine my passions for healthcare and sports with a commitment to providing care.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with athletes across various levels and disciplines, including high school teams, junior colleges, international lacrosse tournaments with the Haudenosaunee men’s teams, and Olympic athletes through residencies at Chula Vista and Colorado Springs. These experiences not only challenged me to grow as a clinician but also gave me a global perspective on the importance of culturally informed and athlete-centered care.

In addition to clinical practice, I’ve dedicated much of my career to education and mentorship, helping to guide the next generation of athletic trainers. I’ve also worked to promote the visibility and value of athletic trainers in healthcare and sports communities, particularly in underserved areas. These contributions—along with the relationships I’ve built along the way—are what I believe led to this recognition.

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is not just a reflection of my career but a testament to the collective effort of our profession. It motivates me to continue pushing for excellence, advocating for athletic trainers, and contributing to the growth of this incredible field. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have made an impact and to continue doing so in the years to come.

This honor highlights your impact at the state level. What are some of the initiatives or programs you’ve been involved in that have made a difference in the field of athletic training state-wide?

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to several initiatives and programs that have advanced athletic training across New York State.

The most impactful work has been my role as NYSATA President and then Co-Chair of the NYSATA Governmental Affairs Committee. In these roles, I’ve helped lead efforts to advocate for legislative changes that promote the recognition and regulation of athletic trainers. After 12 years of legislative work, we gained a long-overdue updated practice act and, more importantly, licensure for New York State athletic trainers.

Another initiative I’m particularly proud to contribute to is the Concussion Outreach Prevention & Education (COPE) program. This initiative, in partnership with the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS), successfully secured over $175,000 in grant funding from the New York State Department of Health in collaboration with the New York State Senate. Through this funding, the program has delivered essential resources, training, and education to schools, coaches, parents, and medical professionals, significantly enhancing concussion management and awareness across New York State.

Additionally, my work organizing and presenting at state and national conferences, such as the Vital Signs Conference, NYSATA Annual Conference, and NATA State Leadership Forum, has allowed me to educate and collaborate with athletic trainers and healthcare providers on topics like concussion protocols, EMS partnerships, and legislative advocacy. These platforms have been instrumental in fostering professional development and awareness of emerging issues in our field.

Beyond advocacy and education, I’ve contributed directly to building strong athletic training programs by mentoring students and creating shadowing opportunities. Programs like this help inspire and prepare the next generation of athletic trainers, ensuring our profession continues to grow and thrive.

These initiatives, combined with my involvement in statewide task forces like the NYSED Regional School Reopening Task Force (NYSATA rep), reflect a commitment to advancing athlete safety, promoting professional standards, and creating opportunities for education and collaboration. I’m deeply honored to have played a role in shaping athletic training at the state level and look forward to continuing these efforts in the future.

You mentioned the support and opportunities provided by our school and community. How has this environment contributed to your professional growth and achievements?

The support and opportunities provided by our school and community have been instrumental in my professional growth and achievements. This environment has allowed me to develop both as a clinician and as a leader by fostering collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to the success and well-being of our athletes.

Our school and community have always recognized the importance of athletic training and have provided the resources and encouragement necessary to thrive in this role. Whether it’s through open communication with coaches, administrators, and athletes or by investing in education and development, I’ve felt empowered to continually improve and expand my skills. This kind of support creates a space where innovation, learning, and teamwork flourish—critical components in providing the best possible care for athletes.

Beyond that, the relationships I’ve built here have been invaluable. From working alongside dedicated colleagues to mentoring students interested in healthcare, this community has given me the opportunity to give back and make a difference. The trust and appreciation I’ve experienced have motivated me to push myself further, knowing that my contributions have a meaningful impact on the people and programs I care about.

Ultimately, this environment has not only helped shape my career but also reinforced the importance of working together to build something greater—whether that’s healthier athletes, stronger teams, or a thriving athletic training program. For that, I am truly grateful.

Looking ahead, how do you hope this recognition will inspire others, whether they are students, colleagues, or future athletic trainers?

Looking ahead, I hope this recognition serves as a reminder that dedication, compassion, and hard work can lead to meaningful achievements. For students, I hope it inspires them to see athletic training as not just a profession but a calling—one where they can make a real difference in the lives of student-athletes and the communities they serve. I want them to know that with perseverance, curiosity, and a commitment to growth, they, too, can achieve great things.

For my colleagues, I hope this recognition highlights the power of collaboration and continuous learning. None of us work in isolation, and our collective efforts—whether in schools, on the sidelines, or at elite levels of sport—shape the health, safety, and success of those we care for. I hope it encourages all of us to keep pushing boundaries, advocating for our profession, and supporting one another as we advance the field together.

For future athletic trainers, I want this to serve as proof that there are countless opportunities to contribute and lead, whether that’s in clinical practice, education, advocacy, or research. I hope it inspires them to pursue their passions with confidence, knowing that every step they take will help strengthen the profession and, ultimately, improve the lives of others.

Most importantly, I hope this recognition reminds everyone that impact isn’t always measured by awards but by the people we help, the lessons we share, and the legacy we leave behind. If this honor inspires just one person to take that next step in their journey, then it has served its purpose.