Herkimer College Athletic Trainer Named 2023-24 NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year

Herkimer College Athletic Trainer Kyle Roepnack was announced as the 2023-24 NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year at the NJCAA Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, last Wednesday.

Roepnack is in his 19th year at Herkimer College and is the fifth-ever recipient of the national award, created in 2020. The award recognizes an individual who strives to make the optimal student-athlete experience on their campus while performing duties far beyond the institutional level.

 “Congratulations to Kyle on this well-deserved honor,” said Herkimer College Dean of Students/ Director of Athletics Don Dutcher. “His expertise, commitment and knowledge in the athletic training field has supported countless student-athletes throughout the years. He continues to be a leader in the NJCAA, Region III, and at Herkimer by always putting the health of all NJCAA student-athletes as his number one priority.”

As the head athletic trainer at Herkimer College, Roepnack evaluates and treats athletic injuries and works with athletes through rehabilitation. He aims to ensure that every athlete is as healthy as possible for their athletic contests.

In addition to his athletic training responsibilities at Herkimer, Roepnack is the Region III Health and Safety Committee Chair, a member of the NJCAA Student-Athlete Safety and Welfare Council, and the NJCAA representative on the National Athletic Trainer’s Association Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine.

Roepnack is also a two-time NJCAA Region III Athletic Trainer of the Year, having most recently won in 2022-23.