The first-ever NBATA Hall of Fame recognizes the pioneers and foundational figures who shaped athletic training in the NBA
Atlanta, Georgia —[April 14th, 2026]— The National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA), in partnership with Gatorade, its official performance partner, proudly announces the creation of the NBATA Hall of Fame and unveils its inaugural class of honorees, marking a historic milestone in the organization’s legacy.
Established in 2026, the NBATA Hall of Fame will serve as a permanent tribute to the individuals who have defined excellence in athletic training at the highest level of professional basketball. The inaugural class honors a distinguished group of pioneers, leaders, and visionaries whose impact has shaped the profession and elevated the standard of care across the NBA and beyond.
The NBATA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes:
Ed Lacerte — Boston Celtics
David Craig — Indiana Pacers
Joe O’Toole — Atlanta Hawks
Rollin Mallernee — NBATA General Counsel
Ron Culp — Miami Heat
Richard Vandervoort — Houston Rockets
In addition, the NBATA will induct the Original Signers of the NBATA Constitution as a unified group– recognizing the collective vision that formally established and advanced the profession. This group represents the foundation of the NBATA and will be honored together as one historic class:
Jack Curran, Leo Marty, Fritz Massman, Dick D’Oliva, Frank O’Neill, Joe Proski, William Bates, Robert Biel, Harold Shockro, William Ford, Al Domenico, Dan Whelan, Ray Melchiorre, Frank Challant, and Billy Jones
Individual honorees will receive a commemorative NBATA Hall of Fame jacket, ring, and plaque, symbolizing their lasting contributions and enduring legacy within the game. The Original Signers will be honored collectively with a Hall of Fame jacket and plaque, recognizing their foundational role in establishing the NBATA.
“This is more than a moment of recognition, it’s a moment of reflection on the history of our profession,” said Stephen Spiro, NBATA Chairperson. “The NBATA was built by pioneers who saw the importance of athlete care long before it was widely understood, and who committed themselves to creating a standard that would stand the test of time. Their work laid the foundation for everything we have today. This inaugural Hall of Fame class honors that legacy and ensures their impact is not only remembered but carried forward for generations to come.”
The NBATA’s longstanding relationship with Gatorade is equally rooted in that history. NBA athletic trainers were among the first to bring Gatorade to the sidelines, recognizing early on the critical role hydration and performance science play in athlete care. That shared commitment to innovation and performance has grown into a decades-long partnership.
“We are honored to stand alongside the NBATA in celebrating this inaugural Hall of Fame class,” said Shawna Ryan, Director of Marketing at Gatorade, “From the earliest days of Gatorade on the sidelines to today, athletic trainers have been essential in advancing athlete performance and well-being. This moment not only honors the pioneers of the profession, but also reflects a partnership built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to the athlete.”
The launch of the NBATA Hall of Fame marks the beginning of a new tradition, one that preserves the history of the profession while inspiring the next generation of athletic trainers across the NBA and beyond.
About the NBATA
The National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association is a professional organization of certified athletic trainers who provide world-class health care to the athletes of the NBA. The NBATA is committed to elevating the profession through collaboration, leadership, and education.
About The Gatorade Portfolio
The Gatorade Portfolio, a division of PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP), is a connected performance and wellness ecosystem built to fuel all athletes and exercisers. Bringing together Gatorade, Propel, Evolve and Muscle Milk, the Gatorade Portfolio is the most complete offering in the category today, with a broad range of personalized solutions at every stage of the active person's journey. This integrated system of brands is built on Gatorade's 61-year history of studying athletes and is fueling the future of athletic performance and wellness by delivering solutions across hydration, protein, energy and all-day nutrition to fuel consumers, no matter how or why they sweat. For more information and a full list of product offerings, please visit www.gatorade.com.
For more information, please contact:
Gabrielle Ramos
publicrelations@nbata.cm
