April 30, 2026

The CAATE is proud to recognize the inspiring achievements and dedicated work of Laura Kunkel, EdD, LAT, ATC, PES, FNAP. Kunkel serves on the CAATE Standards Committee and is its Chair. She also continues to serve as a CAATE peer reviewer.

How did you become involved with athletic training?

I discovered athletic training when I was in high school. We had an athletic trainer who visited a few days a week, and that exposure sparked my interest. I realized the profession required less schooling, and I could spend more time with my patients than a sports medicine physician, and I never looked back. The first committee I joined was the SWATA Student Competency Workshop Committee, which a mentor encouraged me to pursue, and it led to additional committee and Board service in SWATA, NATA, and the CAATE.

How did you become involved with the CAATE?

I started by serving as a peer reviewer. My passion has always been athletic training education and creating environments that prepare students to become excellent athletic trainers, not only in my own program but in any program. Peer review was a natural fit and allowed me to support programs across the country as they work to provide the best educational experiences possible for their students.

What are some highlights from your athletic training career?

First, all the opportunities I've gained from athletic training. This profession has been really good to me, and I enjoy giving back. I have gotten to meet so many amazing people who all love athletic training, and want to move it forward. I have been given mentors, friends, and long-lasting relationships in my career. As a clinician, watching my patients return to the activity they love after I worked with them to get back is my absolute favorite part. Most importantly, watching students and mentees succeed. Seeing them in jobs they love, and also giving back, brings a huge smile to my face. I love watching them grow and thrive.

What is a highlight from your involvement with the CAATE?

During the recent 5-year Standards review, I was on the subcommittee to run the listening sessions. They were really eye-opening, and helped us learn what our programs really needed from us as it relates to the Standards. We were able to make some positive changes that I believe made things easier for programs, while maintaining quality education.

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

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

I try to contribute by being an active participant in committee work, voicing my thoughts, and working with others to accomplish the work needed. I also think I am able to promote quality improvement and innovation through my role as a peer reviewer, by noting excellence in these areas when reviewing programs.

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

Athletic training education is so important to the future of our profession, and there is so much work to be done. If you're passionate about quality education in our profession, you should get involved with the CAATE. You don't have to be a faculty member, students and clinicians have a lot to contribute to this cause.

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

I often say that volunteering in athletic training "fills my cup," and it's true. Every time I have the opportunity to collaborate with other volunteers, I am truly energized. Attending meetings, while often wearing me out, also revitalizes me, and makes me so very excited for all the amazing things this profession has to offer.