WICHITA, Kan. - Nathan Morrison of Kansas Wesleyan University and Ryo Nakazono of McPherson College were named the 2024-25 KCAC Head Athletic Trainer of the Year and Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year, respectively, the conference office announced Monday. This is the second time in the eleven-year history of the KCAC Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award that a trainer from Kansas Wesleyan has earned the honor (Dan O'Connell, 2020-21), and this is the first time a McPherson athletic training staff member has earned the honor in the four-year history of the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year award.
For the Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award, the KCAC recognizes one individual for exceptional performance as a head athletic trainer (or equivalent title on their campus). Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, within the conference, athletic training associations, and promotion of the profession.
For the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year award, the KCAC recognizes one individual each year for exceptional performance as a member of an athletic training staff. Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, within the conference, athletic training associations, and promotion of the profession.
"I am very gracious to receive this award, and to be recognized among the many outstanding Athletic trainers within the KCAC," Morrison remarked. "This recognition is not mine alone as it reflects the collective efforts of the individuals I've had the privilege to work alongside. I am especially grateful to the dedicated staff members who have contributed to the growth and success of KWU Sports Medicine. Their commitment and teamwork have been instrumental in shaping our program into what it is today."
Morrison serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer for the Coyotes, overseeing athletic training efforts for 24 different sports, along with a sizeable group of varsity reserve/developmental teams. His reach even extends beyond the athletic department, as he works with KWU's Student Development Office to handle insurance for all students, regardless if they are an athlete or not.
"I am extremely proud of the accomplishments that Nathan has achieved over the last year," Miguel Paredes, Athletic Director at Kansas Wesleyan University, said. "He has done an amazing job navigating through several challenges this year. Nathan continues to do a great job in his leadership role within our athletics leadership team, as well as assisting the campus with the coordination of campus health and student health insurance."
"With great respect for all the athletic trainers in the KCAC, I am truly honored to be selected as the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year," Nakazono said. "First, I would like to thank my boss, Phil (Schoenwetter), for the nomination and for always supporting me. I also want to thank McPherson College's administrative staff, coaches, and student-athletes for the wonderful opportunity, as well as everyone who has supported me along the way. I will continue striving to provide the highest quality healthcare for our student-athletes."
Nakazono has served as an athletic trainer at McPherson College since 2021. In the 2024-25 school year, his primary responsibilities were the volleyball, women's soccer, cross country, track & field, men's basketball, softball, tennis, and shotgun sports teams.
While serving as a full-time athletic trainer, Nakazono completed the post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from A.T. Still University in November 2024.
"For the past five years, Ryo has exemplified consistent, compassionate care for his student-athletes," Phil Schoenwetter, Head Athletic Trainer at McPherson College, remarked. "This past year, however, Ryo has gone above and beyond from taking on extra sport coverage, helping drive teams, and, on top of that, completing his Physical Therapy Doctorate. I appreciate everything Ryo has done and I know our students appreciate all the work he does for them as well."