MIAMI, Fla. (June 16, 2023) – The Sun Conference (SUN) has announced Dr. Kari Brody, from Keiser Athletics, the 2022-23 Athletic Trainer of the Year. Dr. Brody was most recently promoted as the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine as she heads into her sixth year on the Seahawks staff. Athletic Trainers were nominated by their Athletic Directors and voted among by other conference head athletic trainers.
 
“I am extremely humbled to be recognized by my fellow athletic training colleagues, and I could not be more grateful for their endorsement”, said Dr. Brody. “To be nominated is an honor and I appreciate the continual guidance and support of our campus President - Dr. Vonk, Athletic Director - Kris Swogger, Associate Athletic Director - Jamie Shoemaker, and Team Physician – Dr. Beamer Carr. My Sports Medicine staff is also deserving of this award, as success is never an individual effort. I am fortunate to work with healthcare professionals who are dedicated to achieving the high standards we set in the medical oversight of our numerous athletic teams. I look forward to embracing the changes and growth within our profession as we continue our successful journey as an institution and conference.“
 
Dr. Brody is the primary trainer for football and oversees the ATC and Strength and Conditioning (S&C) staff for the Seahawks that includes 26 varsity sports and 800 student-athletes, while also serving as a member of the KU athletic leadership team. Not only has Dr. Brody increased the service and attention to the Seahawks student-athletes to ensure they are able to play safely and at their highest level but continues to look for ways to improve our ATC and S&C department to better serve our student-athletes. On the KU athletic leadership team, she helps to guide decision making and policies for all the students and serves as a leader on campus.
 
“Dr. Brody is truly deserving of this award for her hard work, dedication to our students, and leadership that she exhibits in her profession,” stated Keiser Athletic Director, Kris Swogger. “Over the past few years we have continued to grow our Sports Medicine department while at the same time constantly focusing on increasing our level of care to our student athletes.  She has not only led this initiative as an administrator but her hands on approach with the sports she oversees sets the standard for others to follow.  Keiser athletics would not have achieved the level of success that it has without Dr. Brody and the ATC’s and S&C staff that she oversees.”
 
Dr. Brody obtained her Doctorate, working on a study to investigate treatments for ankle sprains, meniscal lesions, and migraines. She wrote her dissertation on the management of lower back pain using the MyoKinesthetic System. Dr. Brody graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and served as the keynote speaker at numerous conference presentations, and has several printed publications. Dr. Brody continued her medical education outside the classroom, completing over 25 medical courses, and currently holds six medical licenses.

“Dr. Brody is a consummate professional who has always displayed the highest level of commitment to providing best-in-class care for her student-athletes. She has provided admirable leadership through her work and service on numerous committees in The Sun Conference and is a truly deserving recipient of this honor," added Sun Conferencee Commissioner, Dustin Wilke.
 
As The Sun Conference Athletic of the Year, Dr. Brody will now be nominated for consideration for the national NAIA AT of the Year award.