Wright State athletic trainer, mentor in spotlight

Becky currently is the Education Coordinator for Wright State University’s Athletic Training Education Program and the Athletic Trainer for men’s and women’s swimming and diving. Prior to covering swimming she worked with women's soccer.

Usually it’s the athletes competing in the arena that get all the glory, but a Wright State University athletic trainer is commanding some recognition for her superior work as a mentor.

The Ohio Athletic Trainer Association (OATA) recently named Rebekah “Becky” Bower the winner of the Linda Weber Daniel Mentoring Award.

“Female athletic trainers were the minority in the early ’80s when I was in college. Linda Weber Daniel was my first female athletic trainer mentor,” said Bower.

Bower is the education coordinator for Wright State University’s Athletic Training Education Program and the athletic trainer for men’s and women’s swimming and diving. Prior to covering swimming, Bower worked with women’s soccer.

“I strive to model Linda’s strength of character, passion for athletic training, and excellence in teaching. I am humbled to receive this award named in her honor,” said Bower.

Bower has educated and mentored countless athletic training students.  Early in her professional career she taught health, physical education, and sports medicine classes at Walter E. Stebbins High School.

Bower also served as the outreach coordinator for Miami Valley Hospital Sports Medicine Center.  While she was there, Bower also served as head athletic trainer at Archbishop Alter High School.

Becky has been involved in local and statewide athletic training efforts.  She has served as vice president and president of the Greater Dayton Athletic Trainers Association.

This is not Bower’s first recognition for excellence in her profession.

Bower has also been honored with:

• 1995 OATA Clinical/Professional Athletic Trainer of the Year
• 2000 Ohio Jaycee’s Outstanding Educator
• In 2001 National Athletic Trainers’ Association AT Service Award
• 2010 OATA Hall of Fame

Becky will be formally presented her award at the OATA Hall of Fame Banquet on May 6, in Dayton.