Passionate to make a difference in her field and forever dedicated to the athletes in her care, are the personal and professional paths Jessica Rummery (MS, LAT, ATC) travels each day.
Her devotion and a constant commitment to go above and beyond, has earned Rummery the Mid America Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA D5) Young Professional Distinction Award.
The athletic trainer at Bettendorf (Iowa) High School, Rummery earned her undergraduate degree in athletic training from Texas State University and a Master’s of Kinesiology with emphasis in Athletic Training, from Illinois State University.
Rummery, the 2022 recipient of the Iowa Athletic Trainers’ Society’s Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year, was presented her most recent honor at the MAATA D5 held last weekend in LA Vista, Nebraska.
The MAATA Young Professionals’ Distinction Award, honors a young, professional athletic trainer, who has made a definitive impact on the athletic training profession and association at the various levels of organization (national, district, state). This is a meritorious award that recognizes contributions in the following areas: service, professionalism, integrity, initiative, leadership, and ability to inspire other professionals.
Rummery stands firmly under the umbrella of all the aforementioned categories.
“Jess is trustworthy, skilled, dependable, hardworking and dedicated. She has a passion for leadership and assisting others. Jess consistently seeks opportunities to improve our organization and the ways in which we practice in the athletic training space. I’m proud to be able to work alongside her.’’ said Debbie Healy, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA, Vice-President/Growth & Development for Rock Valley Physical Therapy.
Rummery, modest to a fault and a 24-karat gem on all fronts, is honored at the recognition, but says it is an award that must be shared by many.
“This recognition is nothing short of humbling,’’ Rummery said. “ I am honored that my colleagues, friends, and mentors have recognized me with such a special award. I have such a passion for this profession; I want it to prosper. I am wildly grateful for the support of my husband, family, friends, colleagues, and cohorts as this career certainly has its challenges.”
“I knew this field was chosen for me and I was created for it, but I find it hard to believe that I would be where I am without the support system around me,’’ Rummery added. “ I am so grateful for the opportunities I’m afforded within our professional organizations as well as within Rock Valley. I have high hopes for the progress of our profession and I am looking forward to what is to come.’’
Jason Viel, MS, LAT, ATC, is the director of athletic training services for Rock Valley Physical Therapy and serves as the head athletic trainer at Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf, Iowa). Ever-dedicated to his profession, Viel has witnessed first-hand Rummery’s ability to go above and beyond in providing great care and her desire and dedication in advancing the profession.
“Jess is an amazing AT,’’ said Viel. “Her passion for athletic training, treating her athletes and giving back to the profession are unmatched. She has created an amazing atmosphere at Bettendorf where her athletes, coaches, administration and parents trust her explicitly. She has stepped into various roles at Rock Valley Physical Therapy as well, from helping with concussion care, employer services, and just continued care of her athletes and Bettendorf community members at Rock Valley. Jess is one of the hardest working, caring athletic trainers I have had the pleasure of working with in my 22 years of being an athletic trainer.’’
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller