2025 Scholarship Reciepients | Athletico Cares Foun

Athletico Cares Scholarship: 2025 Recipients

We are proud to recognize and support students who have a strong vision of making an impact in the profession and an interest in exploring outpatient orthopedics. With nearly 500 applications across 36 states, we selected students who exemplify what it means to advance patient care and represent the future of the profession. More than $46,000 was rewarded to 22 recipients in an effort to help them advance their education through Athletico Cares Scholarship funds.

Congratulations to our 2025 recipients!

Alyssa Johanik

•Tufts University, Physical Therapy, Class of 2026

•“I am immensely grateful for the support this scholarship will provide as I work toward my goal of becoming a future physical therapist. With this support, I am empowered to continue my education with greater focus, less financial stress, and more motivation to serve others in the field of physical therapy.”

Andre Whitley

•University of Missouri, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Class of 2026

•“Receiving the scholarship means everything to me. This scholarship will open doors for me to help me achieve my goal of serving the community and giving back to the people who helped.”

Barbara Heard

•Rockhurst University, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Class of 2026

•“Receiving the Athletico Cares Scholarship is both an incredible honor and a meaningful investment in my path to becoming a physical therapist. This support enables me to fully dedicate myself to my clinical education and professional growth, and I am truly grateful for this generous contribution to my future.”

Bayley Thompson

•Saint Louis University, Master of Athletic Training, Class of 2027

Ben Woomer

•Concordia University Wisconsin, Bridge Doctor of Physical Therapy, Class of 2025

•“After 14 years as a PTA, I'm pursuing my DPT degree to expand my ability to provide comprehensive patient care and take on the full scope of practice that comes with being the primary clinician. This scholarship supports my commitment to advancing from treatment implementation to developing complete care plans that address each patient's unique needs. I'm dedicated to using this expanded expertise to make a greater impact in patient care and contribute to our profession's advancement.”

Breanna Hollowell

•Lindenwood University, Athletic Training, Class of 2027

•“Thank you for selecting me for this scholarship! It will provide support for my future of becoming an Athletic Trainer.”

Edgar Garcia Cuatlatl

•Indiana University, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Class of 2026

•“Awards like the Athletico Cares Scholarship empower students to continue excelling in and out of the classroom. The application process also allowed me to reflect on my journey to becoming a physical therapist–the highs, the lows, and everything in between.”

Hannah Weese

•Concordia University Wisconsin, Bridge DPT, Class of 2027

•“Thank you to the Athletico Cares Scholarship for your financial support in helping me return to PT school. I’m grateful for the chance to help advance the field of physical therapy for future generations and continue advocating for health, mobility, and equal access to quality care. The opportunity to grow as a leader and clinician within Athletico is a great honor and I look forward to expanding my knowledge to continue providing the best evidence-based care that will improve quality of life for our patients.”

Jaime Meier

•Saint Louis Community College (Forest Park), Physical Therapist Assistant, Class of 2026

•“As a returning student, I often question if I have made the right decision to pursue a new career. This scholarship provides great encouragement to persevere through all the studying that awaits me. I am humbled and honored by your generosity; thank you, Athletico!”

Katherine Rushka

•Indiana University, DPT, Class of 2027

Lauren Lingle

•Medical University of South Carolina, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Class of 2026

•“I am so grateful to have been selected for the Athletico Cares scholarship. As I enter my final year of physical therapy school, I am even more motivated to continue working hard in my academics and clinical coursework. I am honored to be supported by the Athletico organization and will use this opportunity to become the best clinician I can be!”

Meghan Cabrera

•University of Illinois at Chicago, Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Class of 2026

•“This scholarship helps lighten the financial burden of my education and allows me to focus more on my studies and clinical training. It’s an important step toward my goal of working in pediatric hand therapy, where I hope to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.”

Vanessa Eyram Nutakor

•University of Illinois at Chicago, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Class of 2026

•“Receiving the Athletico Cares Scholarship is a meaningful recognition of my dedication to pursuing a career in the physical therapy field and serving others with compassion and integrity. It not only eases the financial burden of my education but also motivates me to continue making a positive impact in my community through my academic and professional journey.”

Zoe Norman

•GVSU, Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Class of 2027

•“Receiving one of the 2025 Atletico Cares Scholarships means financial support that enables me to dig deeper into my extracurricular activities, including volunteering in our pro bono clinic and my role as class president. One of our class goals is to expand our philanthropy and engagement in the Grand Rapids area and this scholarship will permit greater devotion to this effort. Time spent in the pro bono clinic will allow me to enhance my technical skills while giving back to a community that I care about.”