Athletic Trainer Kutyreff Honored with NATA New Horizon Award
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Northern Arizona University Certified Athletic Trainer Cherisse Kutyreff was recently awarded with the New Horizon Award at the National Athletic Training Association Convention on June 21. She was nominated for the recognition by Head Athletic Trainer Ryan Pinson.
“It makes me really happy,” said Kutyreff. “I felt very humbled and excited. It goes to show how much Ryan Pinson cares about his staff and he appreciates what we do here. It could have gone to anyone on our staff.”
The award is given out by the NATA College/University Athletic Training Committee. Attributes for the award include a minimum three years of college experience with employment as an athletic trainer in the collegiate setting as the head or assistant athletic trainer whiling being actively involved in local community/campus volunteer service, national/district or state athletic training associations, and promotion of athletic training and exceptional athletic training performance (single or multiple acts that may distinguish the athletic trainer). The candidate must demonstrate the attributes of a future leader in the athletic training profession.
Kutyreff is entering her fifth year at Northern Arizona University as an assistant athletic trainer after working as a graduate assistant at NAU for two years.
“As s a young professional who works very hard, I really respect the work she has been doing,” said Pinson. “She has been diligent about bettering herself as a professional and doing what she needs to in her career to understand the profession. She has made herself known on the state, regional and national level and it has gone a long way.”
She assists with the day-to-day operations of the athletic training operation and works primarily with the women’s basketball and cross country teams.
“It is fun,” said Kutyreff of her job. “I don’t think I ever go home without something memorable happening during the course of the day. We are a family and do a job that has a lot of pride attached to it. It is very self-motivating. I have the best job in the world.”
The graduate of New Mexico State University and native of Los Alamos, N.M. has served hundreds of student-athletes during her career and has several highlights. But one sticks out as her favorite thus far: witnessing David McNeill’s national championship run in Eugene, Ore. in 2010.
“It was such a cool day,” said Kutyreff. “I got to spend a few years working with Dave and helping him in and out of some injuries. I don’t pride myself that I had anything to do with it but I have become a huge track and field nut.”
McNeill, who has been training in Flagstaff in preparation for the upcoming London Olympics, voiced his appreciation of her efforts.
“Cherisse in particular and the whole training room are not just good trainers looking after injuries but good sounding boards and supporters and incredibly caring individuals,” said McNeill. “Cherisse has gone above and beyond for me. Even now that I have finished at NAU, she sends me messages that I am always welcome to come in. The last few months she has helped keep my body in tune heading into the Olympics. The award she is getting is testament.”
Kutyreff also worked as the Clinical Coordinator for the NAU Athletic Training Education Program on campus during the 2010-11 academic year. She is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification and is an Arizona Licensed Athletic Trainer.
