HOUSTON – The University of St. Thomas Sports Medicine Department has been recognized as the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Athletic Training Staff of the Year, a prestigious honor voted on by fellow athletic training professionals across the conference.
The award recognizes excellence in athletic healthcare, student-athlete support, and commitment to the overall success of collegiate athletics. It marks the second time in program history that St. Thomas has earned the distinction, previously receiving the honor following the 2021-22 academic year.
Led by Director of Sports Medicine Leslie Bennett, the award-winning staff includes Associate Athletic Trainers JeJuan French and Laurisa Rieke, team physicians Dr. Rod Turner and Dr. Raj Shani, and Sports Dietitian Kim Lowry, RD, CSSD. Together, the group provides comprehensive medical care and support for all 17 NCAA varsity programs at St. Thomas.
The recognition comes after a historic 2025-26 athletic year for the Celts. The Sports Medicine staff played a vital role in helping St. Thomas capture its first-ever SCAC Presidents' Trophy, awarded to the conference's top overall athletic department. Throughout the year, the Celts produced one conference championship, multiple runner-up finishes, and several top-three conference placements while competing at a high level across all sports.
Beyond their daily responsibilities, the UST athletic training team successfully covered numerous championship events, including the SCAC Cross Country Championships and the opening three rounds of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Their tireless work behind the scenes helped keep student-athletes healthy, prepared, and performing at their best throughout a demanding year of competition.
The St. Thomas Sports Medicine Department remains committed to providing the highest level of athletic healthcare through injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, education, and administrative support. Guided by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Code of Ethics and Board of Certification Standards of Practice, the department's mission is centered on student-athlete well-being and safe return-to-play protocols.
"Athletic trainers play an indispensable role in collegiate athletics, serving as healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates for student-athlete well-being," said SCAC Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. "The leadership of Bennett and the outstanding work of the athletic training staff at the University of St. Thomas have helped create an environment where student-athletes can thrive both in competition and throughout their overall collegiate experience."
The honor places St. Thomas among an elite group of conference institutions, becoming just the sixth athletic training staff in SCAC history to receive the award multiple times.
"Congratulations to Leslie and the entire Sports Medicine staff on this well-deserved recognition from their peers," said Hanberry. "Their unwavering commitment to supporting student-athletes and advancing the mission of St. Thomas Athletics continues to set a standard of excellence across the conference."
While championships and victories often make headlines, this award shines a spotlight on the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes every day. Their impact reaches far beyond the sidelines, helping create an environment where Celt student-athletes can compete, recover, and succeed both on and off the field of play.
