Emily McKinley and Layci Watts

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Two Lock Haven University athletic training majors have been honored by professional associations in their field.

Emily McKinley, a senior athletic training major, was one of three students from the state of Pennsylvania selected to participate in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) iLead program this February 25-27 in Washington, DC. The iLead program is designed to teach athletic training students skills necessary to be future leaders in the profession. This year’s program included content on interviews, ethics, and leadership skills.

Eric L. Lippincott, Associate Professor and Athletic Training Education Program Director, said, “Emily’s selection to participate in the iLead program reflects on her initiative and enthusiasm as an athletic training student here at LHU. She is to be commended for her commitment to the profession of athletic training through local, regional, and national activities.”

Emily is the first LHU student selected to participate in this program. She plans to further her education by attending graduate school after graduating from LHU in May, 2011.

Layci Watts, a sophomore athletic training major, was recently chosen to serve as a student delegate to the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA). The EATA is a professional organization representing the athletic trainers from the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont. Layci is one of two students from Pennsylvania selected to serve as a student delegate.

Layci is also the first LHU student selected to serve as an EATA student delegate. Her term of office begins in the fall 2011 semester. Lippincott said, “Layci is one of the up and coming stars in our athletic training education program. She has proven herself in both the classroom and clinical setting.”

“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of these two students,” said Lippincott. “LHU has a strong tradition of producing leaders within the athletic training profession, and Emily and Layci will continue in those footsteps. The hard work they have shown in the academic and clinical settings and through community service has been rewarded with these selections.”