2026 AASPT Awards: Celebrate the Leaders Who Move Us Forward
Each year, the Academy honors clinicians, educators, researchers, mentors, and leaders whose contributions elevate the specialty of sports physical therapy. These awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment, innovation, service, and impact across our profession.Â
The nomination period for the 2026 AASPT Awards has now closed, and the award recipients will be formally recognized during the AASPT Awards Ceremony at CSM 2026 in Anaheim, CA, where we gather as a community to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the collective progress of our field. (You may review the full list of award categories below.)
2026 Awards Ceremony Program
The full program for the 2026 AASPT Awards Ceremony—including presenters, award categories, and honorees—is now available for download.Â
Ronald G. Peyton
To acknowledge and honor a member of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy who has made a distinguished contribution to the specialty of sports physical therapy. In addition, the recipient is offered an opportunity to share his or her achievements and ideas with members through a brief lecture presented at the CSM.
Turner A. Blackburn Hall of Fame / Lifetime Achievement
To honor an American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy member whose contributions to the specialty of sports physical therapy through leadership, influence, and achievements have been demonstrated by frequent and sustained efforts for a period of not less than 25 years.
Lynn Wallace Clinical Education and Professional Development
To acknowledge an individual who has made significant contributions in the area of sports physical therapy education clinical education and professional development in the specialty area of sports physical therapy through excellence in clinical teaching.
Lifetime Excellence in Education
To acknowledge an individual who has made significant contributions in the area of sports physical therapy education through excellence in academic teaching clinical education, and/or professional development over an extended period of time (more than 10 years).
Excellence in Education
To acknowledge an individual who has made significant contributions in the area of sports physical therapy education through excellence in academic teaching.
Outstanding Service
To recognize a member of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy who has made exceptional contributions in the area of service.
New Horizon
To recognize a member of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy within their first seven (7) years of practice.
Outstanding Student
To acknowledge an individual who has made significant contributions in the area of sports physical therapy education through excellence in academic teaching.
Presidential Award of Merit
To acknowledge and honor an individual outside of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy who has made a distinguished contribution to the specialty of sports physical therapy. Nominations for this award are provided only by the AASPT President.
Jack C. Hughston Sports Physician
To acknowledge and honor a physician who has made a distinguished contribution to the specialty of sports physical therapy.
Excellence in Research
To acknowledge and honor a physical therapist who has made a distinguished contribution to the specialty of sports physical therapy research.
Outstanding SIG ChairÂ
To acknowledge and honor a SIG chair who has shown great service to their SIG.
Recognize your colleagues for their leadership and dedication in physical therapy!
Those selected by the Awards Committee will be recognized during AASPT’s Awards Ceremony at the Combined Sections Meeting.
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