ATSU’s Dwight Patterson Youth Sports Scholarship winners announced
Posted: May 22, 2020
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) master of science in athletic training students Nicole Strout, AT, ’20, and Cassidy Evans, AT, ’20, were recently announced as winners of the Dwight Patterson Youth Sports Scholarship (DPYSS).
Established to honor the legacy of area businessman Dwight Patterson, the scholarship provides financial assistance to athletic training students who have demonstrated a commitment to youth sports and the well-being of youth athletes through their academic, clinical, and service activities.
Nicole Strout
How did the Dwight Patterson Youth Sports Scholarship assist you?
“This scholarship will assist me in furthering my education through the doctor of athletic training degree at A.T. Still University this July. Having the opportunity to continue learning and advancing my knowledge is something I always wish to have the choice to do, and this scholarship enables me to do so.”
How did the ATSU Athletic Training program get you to where you are today?
“ATSU has been such a rewarding institution to be a student at. I have advanced so much as a student, clinician, and individual. I have benefited from constant support from faculty and colleagues, the courses, and the ability to be involved in youth sports. Luckily, I have another two years to continue to benefit from everything this school and programs has to offer.”
What involvement do you have with youth sports?
“I have been involved in a variety of youth sport environments, including middle school and high school athletics, youth sport camps, tournaments, and recreational environments. Understanding the importance of youth sports in relation to injuries and prevention, and education are huge efforts that should constantly be done.”
Cassidy Evans
How did the Dwight Patterson Youth Sports Scholarship assist you?
“I plan to use the DPYSS to help pay for my doctorate in athletic training at ATSU beginning this fall.”
How did the ATSU Athletic Training (AT) program get you to where you are today?
“The AT program at ATSU has been instrumental in my professional development. I could go on forever about how great it is. My undergrad program did a great job of laying the foundation, but ATSU’s program has taken my skills and knowledge to a whole new level. The program has challenged me, both as a student and a healthcare professional, in ways I never had been before, and has given me tools to excel in the profession.”
What involvement do you have with youth sports?
“Outside of being the head AT at a high school, I grew up around youth sports. Every day I see the positive impact athletics have in kids’ lives. They help lay the foundation for so many things you need in life, like discipline, hard work, perseverance, respect, and teamwork. Athletics taught me life lessons that I still hold tight to now as an adult. Athletic training gives me the opportunity to play a key role in youth sports culture.”