Athletic Trainer Selected for Elite Leadership Summit

Contact: naskew@northwestchristian.edu

EUGENE, Ore.  - Northwest Christian University Athletic Trainer Jarred Gibson was selected the summer to participate in the elite National Athletic Trainers Association StarTRACKS leadership development summit. The StarTRACKS program is a two-year program of self-study for athletic trainers wishing to create, improve, or refine their leadership skills.

Intended to assist members of NATA who wish to serve the profession as a volunteer leader at the state, district or national level of their professional association, the skills and knowledge gained from this program benefits athletic trainers from around the country in many facets of their lives.

Gibson said, "The skills that I am acquiring from the program will enhance my relationships with the student-athletes that I have daily contact with, as well as with coaches, administrators and coworkers at Northwest Christian. The opportunity to participate in StarTRACKS is amazing. I have always believed in the lead-by-example principle. This program allows me to expand my skill set to become a more well rounded and effective leader."

Participants in the StarTRACKS program are selected either through a nomination process from a regional district, or through a rigorous application process. Gibson was nominated to participate by his undergraduate mentor at Whitworth College.

The basis of the program is to provide training for individuals looking to hone their leadership skills through a number of conferences and workshops. "I will have the opportunity to learn from individuals who have the traits of effective leadership," said Gibson. "Becoming a more effective leader will enable me to be a better athletic trainer as well as a better contributor to my family, the athletic training community, and my coworkers."

Gibson is beginning his fifth year as the Athletic Trainer at Northwest Christian University. After graduating from Whitworth College, Gibson worked as an athletic trainer at both Cascade College and Lane Community College before joining the athletic staff at NCU.