Kathy Dieringer, EdD, LAT, ATC

Biography

Distinguished Alumnus
President, National Athletic Trainers’ Association

Kathy Dieringer earned a B.S. in Physical Education in 1984. She is the 15th president of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and assumed her office during NATA’s clinical symposia in June 2021. Dieringer has more than 40 years of sports medicine experience and brings with her a deep passion for the athletic training profession and a clear vision for her role.

Dieringer was previously the sole owner of three outpatient rehabilitation clinics (D&D Sports Med) in the north Texas area for almost two decades; employing more than 45 staff members, including athletic trainers (ATs), physical therapists, occupational therapists and strength and conditioning specialists. She managed all aspects of her clinics, while simultaneously continuing to provide quality patient care. Her clinics earned multiple awards for excellence and their contribution to the community.  Previously, Dieringer worked as an athletic trainer in the collegiate (NCAA Division I and Division II), secondary school and clinical settings.

For more than 35 years, Dieringer has volunteered for NATA and the Athletic Training profession. In addition to serving on various state, district and NATA committees, she has served as NATA District Six director and NATA secretary/treasurer; president of Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association (SWATA); Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) commissioner and as chair of the NATA Clinical and Emerging Practice Athletic Trainers’.

Dieringer’s global health care and business experience, combined with her doctorate in education, enables her to empower and enrich professionals in all arenas of health care and to advocate and advance athletic training as a leading force in health care. An accomplished speaker and author, she has been the recipient of many honors, including the 2019 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer, induction into the 2017 NATA Hall of Fame and the 2008 SWATA Hall of Fame.

In addition to professional service, Dieringer has been active in her local community as a member of the Denton Sports Commission Board, a Denton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and as President of Denton Country Club.

Kathy resides in Double Oak, TX with her spouse, Susan Crawford.