Message from the President
It is with great pride that we recognize and celebrate the outstanding AASPT members honored during the 2026 APTA Honors & Awards cycle.
These individuals represent the very best of our profession through their leadership, service, scholarship, advocacy, and dedication to advancing physical therapy and sports medicine.
Their contributions continue to shape the future of our profession, strengthen our Academy, and positively impact the patients, students, and communities we serve every day.
We are honored to have these exceptional individuals as part of AASPT and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.
Please join me in celebrating the following award recipients:
• Gabe Freyaldenhoven – State Legislative Leadership Award
• Karin Gravare Silbernagel – Marian Williams Award
• Marcie Harris-Hayes – Lucy Blair Service Award
• Shane M. McClinton – Outstanding Research Award
• Mark V. Paterno – FAPTA
• Daniel Rhon – FAPTA
• Jade Vella-Wright – Mary McMillan Scholarship (SPT)
• David S. Logerstedt – FAPTA
Congratulations to each of you, and thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to excellence.
Airelle O. Giordano, PT, DPT
AASPT President
Inside the Boardroom
Welcoming Our New Team Member
We are pleased to welcome Ruva Schuster as Communications and Member Engagement Senior Specialist.
She brings strong experience in association management, member engagement, and sports education, and will focus on strengthening communications, supporting committees and SIGs, and expanding digital content.
We’re excited to have her on the team.
Contact: [email protected]
Governance & Strategic Progress
The Board approved several key updates to strengthen governance and alignment across the Academy. This included the addition of an Awards Subcommittee Charter to align with the AASPT Policies & Procedures Manual and clarify reporting structure to the full Board.
In addition, the Board approved an updated DEI statement to better align with APTA language for their 2030 Strategic Framework and reinforce the Academy’s commitment to a culture of belonging.
The Board also approved leadership appointments to support AASPT’s involvement in the APTA Collaborative for Physical Therapy Education, ensuring continued representation in national education initiatives.
Member Engagement & Programs
A key focus this month was continued development of an Academy-wide mentorship program. The proposed model aims to create a more consistent and accessible experience for members, while preserving and aligning existing SIG-led mentorship efforts. Further collaboration with SIG leaders is underway, with the goal of refining the program and bringing a finalized framework forward in the coming months.
The Board reviewed results from the recent Member Satisfaction Survey and discussed several key themes directly raised by members. Feedback highlighted a preference for high-level financial summaries, clearer communication around Board decisions and initiatives, and continued reliance on email and newsletters as primary communication channels.
Members also noted challenges with SIG engagement, particularly when participation is limited to social media platforms, and expressed a desire for more accessible, centralized ways to connect. Additional feedback emphasized the importance of broadening speaker representation at the Annual Meeting and creating more inclusive and diverse programming.
These insights directly inform ongoing efforts to strengthen communication, improve access to engagement opportunities, and enhance the overall member experience.
To ensure we are capturing a broader range of member perspectives, the Member Satisfaction Survey will remain open. We encourage all members to take a few moments to share their feedback, which directly informs Board discussions and decision-making.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GJ3XTSW
Annual Meeting & Education
Planning continues for the 2026 Annual Meeting in Seattle. While registration trends reflect broader industry patterns of later sign-ups, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a high-quality, in-person event. Additional strategies are being explored to enhance attendee experience and sponsor value.
CSM programming is also actively underway, with session reviews in progress and timelines requiring an expedited turnaround to meet submission deadlines.
Advocacy & Professional Impact
The Board discussed ongoing federal advocacy efforts related to student loan access for physical therapy education and will continue to support awareness and member engagement in these efforts.
In addition, conversations with APTA and NATA are progressing, with plans to engage a diverse group of members to help inform AASPT’s perspective and role in future collaboration efforts.
Financial Overview
The Academy remains in a stable financial position. As of March 31, 2026, AASPT reports $20.2K in year-to-date net operating income, with total assets exceeding $1.14M. Financial performance continues to track in line with budget expectations, with membership dues remaining the primary revenue source and investments reflecting normal market fluctuations.
Members who would like additional information about the Academy’s finances are encouraged to contact the Executive Office at any time.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
The AASPT Board of Directors
AASPT New Investigator Research Grant - Call for Letters of Intent
The American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) is pleased to announce the 2026 New Investigator Research Grant cycle. This funding opportunity is intended to support emerging researchers whose work advances the science and practice of sports physical therapy.
For the 2026 funding cycle, the maximum award amount has increased to $20,000.
2026 Timeline:
• July 1, 2026 – Letter of Intent Due (11:59 PM PST)
• August 1, 2026 – Invitation for Full Application Notice
• October 1, 2026 – Full Application Due (11:59 PM PST)
• November 1, 2026 – Award Recipient Announced
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the updated Letter of Intent Instructions, Full Proposal Instructions, and informational slide deck available on the AASPT website prior to submission.
This grant program supports innovative research that contributes to the advancement of sports physical therapy practice, education, and patient outcomes. We encourage eligible investigators to apply and share this opportunity with colleagues and collaborators.
GET INVOLVED: LEADERSHIP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
West Virginia State Representative
AASPT is seeking a volunteer to monitor and share legislative and regulatory updates impacting sports physical therapy in West Virginia.
Interested members should contact Greg Alnwick at [email protected]
Corporate Sponsorship Subcommittee
AASPT is launching a Corporate Sponsorship Subcommittee and looking for volunteers to help build and grow this work from the ground up.
This is a hands-on team focused on both strategy and outreach—identifying prospects, initiating sponsor conversations, and helping grow partnerships that drive non-dues revenue. This is a chance to make a real, visible impact.
We’re seeking members for the full committee, including Chair and Vice Chair, with interest or experience in sponsorships, business development, industry relations, communications, events, or growth.
Time commitment: ~2–4 hours/month (varies by role)
To apply:
Brief statement of interest
Current CV
Send to: [email protected]
Help shape AASPT’s sponsorship strategy and expand what’s possible for the Academy.
Join APTA at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games — Volunteers Needed!
American Physical Therapy Association is proud to partner with the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and invites PTs, PTAs, and students to get involved in this impactful event.
From June 20–26, 2026, more than 3,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in Minneapolis—and physical therapy professionals play a key role in supporting their health, performance, and overall experience.
Volunteers can assist with movement screenings, injury prevention, sideline care, and more. Shifts are flexible (typically 5–8 hours), and a variety of clinical and non-clinical roles are available.
This is a meaningful opportunity to support an underserved population, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and showcase the value of our profession.
Can’t make it to Minnesota? Special Olympics programs in every state offer ongoing volunteer opportunities closer to home.
Sign up directly through the Special Olympics USA Games
Questions? Contact Sarah at [email protected]
Run with Team APTA at the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon
APTA has secured 20 guaranteed bibs for the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon and is excited to offer this opportunity to AASPT members.
The Marine Corps Marathon will take place on October 25, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, and APTA’s Mike Geelhoed will serve as Team Captain for the event. In addition, APTA will host a running course on Saturday, October 24, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, with additional details to be shared soon.
Event Details:
- Race: Marine Corps Marathon
- Date: October 25, 2026
- Location: Arlington, VA
- Closest Airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Start Time: 7:20 a.m. ET
- Recommended Lodging: Arlington area hotels near Metro access or shuttle service
Participants are responsible for travel and lodging arrangements. Please note that rideshares cannot access the race start area on race morning, so Metro or hotel shuttle transportation is recommended.
Interested in joining Team APTA?
If you’re ready to commit to the physical and mental preparation required to train for a marathon over the next 25 weeks, complete the interest form by Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026.
APTA Marine Corps Marathon Run Team 2026 – Interest Form
Advocacy Alert: Protect Access to PT Education
The Department of Education has finalized a new federal regulation that reclassifies physical therapy education as a “graduate degree program” rather than a “professional degree program” for the purposes of federal student loan limits.
This change significantly reduces borrowing capacity for future PT students—from a potential $200,000 lifetime cap to $100,000—which may create barriers to entry for prospective students and impact the future workforce at a time of growing demand.
Legislation has already been introduced in Congress to address this issue and restore appropriate loan access for physical therapy students.
Members are encouraged to take action through the American Physical Therapy Association advocacy platform. Grassroots engagement is critical to ensure the voice of the profession is heard.
Please visit the APTA Action Center to contact your legislators and support efforts to protect access to PT education.
We’re here to help.
Amanda Catapano, Executive Director
[email protected]
Dana Sobania, Meetings & Education Manager
[email protected]
Ruva Schuster, Communications & Member Engagement Senior Specialist
[email protected]
Responses