Feb. 17, 2025

The CAATE is proud to recognize the inspiring achievements and dedicated work of Daniel Ruedeman!

How did you become involved with athletic training?

I fractured my right ankle in HS playing basketball and loved the PT sessions I went to. I went to college for architecture and halfway through my junior year of undergrad I switched majors to Exercise Science with a minor in Athletic Training. 22 years later here I am, still practicing Athletic Training.

How did you become involved with the CAATE?

I know Forrest Pecha and Mark Laursen and they both were site visitors for AT Residency Programs and suggested I go to the CAATE Conference in Tampa Florida several years back and I have been fortunate to be with CAATE reviewing program ever since. I love to give back to the profession that has given me so much.

What are some highlights from your athletic training career?

I did not attend a CAATE Accrediated AT Program. I went to old school Practicum route. 1800 hours in just over a year. I failed the BOC Exam 5 times. If it were not for my mentors and other ATs helping me I wouldn't be where I am today. With that being said, I love to travel the country and give talks to AT programs around the country sharing my story and sharing what my days are like in Ortho Trauma. Its a pretty unique setting that I have been working for 10 years. Again I love to give back to my profession and to hopefully inspire some of the future ATs. I have been a preceptor and host student ATs for their clinical immersions at the hospital where I work. I have been doing this since 2009. Another way to give back, educate and I believe the more I educate the more I learn.

What is a highlight from your involvement with the CAATE?

I have gained so much knowledge and created a wider network working with fellow ATs with in CAATE experiences. I love to listen to other ATs talk and share their knowledge and experiences. Traveling around the country has been fun seeing other AT programs and to give some insight on ways to make their programs better is amazing to me. I received so much from my mentors and hopefully I am in a position to give more to other ATs and student ATs. I just love to be apart of something bigger than me. Its been an honor to work with CAATE and their amazing staff and leadership.

In your words, how do you believe you are contributing to the CAATE mission? 

(The CAATE mission: Serving as a catalyst to advance athletic training education through the promotion of quality improvement, innovation, diversity, and best practices for student recruitment.)

I believe I am contributing to CAATE and their Mission. I have one goal every day and that is to impact someones life every day. Looking to advance AT and student ATs is a goal of mine. This again goes back to the mentors I have. Without them I am not where I am today. I hope I am a catalyst and continue to have the opportunity to be one for years to come. I look forward to working with AT programs and AT Residencies. This is the future of AT and I have a small part in making sure I leave it better than when I arrived.

Why do you believe students, faculty, and athletic trainers should become involved with the CAATE?

I feel that we have a privilege and a duty to give back. I suggest that to the students I host and mentor. Find a way to give back. Doesn't just have to be with in AT or CAATE but to give back. The CAATE, working with them gives us ATs an inside look at how the CAATE helps build programs and the future. CAATE is ever evolving and growing and we as ATs have a chance to assist with this growth and share it with others. This is empowering!

Can you share words of inspiration or a quote about your experience in athletic training or the CAATE?

Jim Valvano said it best "Don't give up, Don't ever give up". My mentors pushed and allowed me to have the people around me that I needed in order to gave the knowledge and skill set to be a certified athletic trainer but also develop me as a person. I personally encourage people to fail. Without this failure we wouldn't know what it is like to fall and get back up. Learn to fail and get yourself back up. Gain the experience you need to go where you want to go. The Rock: 'One Day or Day One' you choose.

I would like to thank my parents for their time, sacrifice and life long learning to allow me to have the opportunities I have had. To Tate Erickson, Shawn Allender, and Tim Hoskins for never giving up on me and motivating me. Luke 15; My favorite bible verse and the "semi colon"...my story is not done yet. I have a lot more to share and give and learn.