MTSU’s Helen Binkley inducted into state athletic trainers’ hall of fame

Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society President Mike Van Bruggen, right, stands with Helen Binkley, Athletic Training Program director at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Binkley was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame at a banquet held in May at Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. (Submitted photo)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University Athletic Training Program Director Helen Binkley has received two career-topping recognitions this year.

Binkley, a Department of Health and Human Performance professor in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, was inducted into the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society Hall of Fame, the highest honor for a member of the organization, at the annual meeting and symposium held in May at Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.

“Dedication, commitment, loyalty and leadership are common traits among Hall of Fame recipients,” said Mike Van Bruggen, president of the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society. “Those who receive the honor serve as an inspiration to their peers and as role models to the next generation of certified athletic trainers.”

In June, the National Strength and Conditioning Association named Binkley the recipient of the Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Specialist Award, which is given to a sports medicine professional whose work and contributions have significantly impacted the field.

Binkley received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education from the University of Delaware. After earning a Ph.D. from Temple University, she took the helm as head athletic trainer at Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania.

Her areas of expertise include aquatic research, strength training and conditioning, and emergency response in athletic training.

Binkley, chair of the Board of Athletic Trainers for the state of Tennessee, has authored and co-authored numerous abstracts, texts and manuscripts, in addition to presenting at local and national events.

She has also held volunteer positions with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, including a seat on the board of directors, and served as ambassador for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Foundation.

This year’s awards complement her other recognitions, including the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Athletic Training Service Award in 2009 and the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award in 2015; the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society Jerry Robertson Educator Award in 2015; and the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association Education/Administration Award in 2016.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)