Grace named MATA Collegiate Athletic Trainer of the Year
Head athletic trainer and HPR instructor Bill Grace received the Mississippi Athletic Trainers' Association's Collegiate Athletic Trainer of the Year last Tuesday on the Mississippi Coast during the group's annual meeting.
A 1992 Holmes alumnus, Grace has worked for the college for 29 years and is a West native but currently resides in Goodman.
"I am very honored and grateful to receive this award," Grace said. "I never worked thinking about an award like that, I just always did what I thought was right. I am most thankful to God for allowing me to be in the position that I am and to Him be all the Glory."
"Athletic training is a vital part of any athletic program," he said. "We are not only here for the rare occasion of a life-threatening emergency but to help optimize the healing for all athletes so that they can play to the best of their ability."
"The MATA Collegiate Athletic Trainer of the Year award celebrates outstanding leadership in athletic training, as recognized by peers," MATA President Kira Berch said. "Bill Grace has been honored this year for his unwavering dedication to serving student athletes at the highest level possible. With tireless commitment, he prioritizes the overall well-being of athletes beyond their performance on the field."
"For Bill Grace, it's not just about preparing athletes for the game, but for life itself," she said. "His remarkable 29-year tenure at a single institution speaks volumes about his loyalty and the lasting relationships he has forged. Through mentorship, he ensures that his values resonate throughout the profession for years to come. Each year the MATA looks forward to seeing his presence at our Annual Meeting and symposium as he is looked up to by many of us."
As a student at Holmes, Grace served as the videographer for the men and women's basketball teams. During the two years he served in this capacity, the Lady Bulldogs basketball team won two state titles, one regional title and made a trip to the national tournament.
Grace holds a bachelor of science degree in Human Performance and Sports Medicine from the University of Southern Mississippi as well as a master's degree of social science in sports medicine from the U.S. Sports Academy.
As an instructor, he teaches classes on both the Goodman and Grenada campuses as well as through eLearning. He is a certified first aid instructor, as well. In addition to his roles as trainer and instructor, he is also an academic advisor for students pursuing degrees in pre-athletic training, exercise science/kinesiology, pre-physical therapy, secondary education-physical education/kinesiology, general college studies, health Informatics, liberal arts and sports management/administration.
As head athletic trainer, Grace ensures that adequate health care is provided to all athletes as needed. He also is a liaison between the college and sports insurance agents. He is currently and has been for the past 30 years a member of the Mississippi Athletic Trainers Association and the National Athletic Trainers Association.
In the past, he has served as a part time assistant baseball coach.
Outside of Holmes, Grace stays busy by serving in several capacities. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Kosciusko, where he serves as a deacon, Sunday school teacher for the adult department, scribe for the Bylaws Committee and as one of the chief cooks for special events and programs, where his specialty is tomato gravy and homemade biscuits.
Additionally, Grace is a member of the North Mississippi Emmaus Community, where he has served in the past as a lay director for both a men's walk as well as the Crossroads college walk. Bill has served for more than 30 weekends dedicating himself to serving the Lord during these weekend retreats. He is a current member of the Emmaus board of directors.
He was also honored recently by receiving the Development Foundation's Paul and McCrea Shelton Scholarship, which recognizes hard work and dedication to the College. Staff members either from Goodman or Ridgeland receive a $500 stipend and students from either Ridgeland or Goodman are awarded a $300 scholarship during the fall and spring semesters.
Grace is married to the former Wendy Lewis and resides in Kosciusko. Wendy is the Coordinator of Academic Programs in Goodman, and they have three children, Britt (24), Kaylee (23) and Drew (19).