Brittany Smith, the University of Lynchburg’s director of athletic training services, was awarded the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association’s 2026 College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year award.
It was presented at the VATA’s annual meeting, held on Jan. 3 in Hampton, Virginia.
“We are so excited for Brittany to receive such a great and well-deserved recognition,” said Jon Waters, Lynchburg’s director of athletics. “Her passion for student well-being, coupled with her incredible work ethic, is a major reason for the success of our student-athletes and programs.
“She’s an amazing mentor for the women and men she works with on a daily basis.”
Smith, who came to Lynchburg in 2015, works primarily with Lynchburg’s women’s soccer and basketball, equestrian, and softball teams. She’s also an instructor in the exercise physiology and Master of Science in Athletic Training programs and an MSAT preceptor.
“My experience working at Lynchburg has been wonderful,” Smith said. “The people I work with on a daily basis are incredible, from student-athletes to support staff, coaches, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
“I love the daily interactions and the impact we can have on student-athletes in and out of their sport. Many student-athletes come to us in a vulnerable place or at a low point, and helping support them as they recover and build back up is so rewarding.
“Seeing athletes return to their sport … and have success after working so hard to return from injury is one of the best feelings. The relationships we build last a lifetime, and I love seeing alumni come back that I have worked with in the past.”
Smith is a 2012 graduate of SUNY Cortland, where she worked with several athletics teams and the women’s basketball team at nearby Cornell University. She also worked with the women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse teams at Christopher Newport University and earned a master’s degree in athletic training from Old Dominion University.
“Brittany invests in the lives of those around her in a passionate way every day,” said Caroline Siler, Lynchburg’s assistant athletic director for student-athlete wellness. “She’s a leader in our athletics department and has an incredible impact on the experience of all of our student-athletes.
“She treats every athlete as a unique individual and puts their health and well-being at the forefront of all she does. She is dedicated to the growth of our MSAT students, through the great moments as well as the challenging ones.
“Brittany is a knowledgeable clinician, exceptional leader, and a loyal friend. We are all truly better for having her as a member of the Lynchburg community.”
