TAMPA, AUG. 17, 2016 – University of South Florida Senior Associate Athletic Trainer Michele Latimer was recognized by The Athletic Trainers' Association of Florida earlier this summer as the 2016 Outstanding University/College Athletic Trainer of the Year. Latimer, entering her 10^th year at USF, had a busy year in 2015-16, taking over the women's basketball and sailing programs.

“Michele is an outstanding advocate for the student-athlete,” said Associate Athletic Director and Director of Sports Medicine Steve Walz. “Michele is a great employee and athletic trainer very simply because she cares about those she treats. She puts their health and best interests first and foremost.”

Latimer began her career at USF as a graduate assistant in 2007, overseeing the women's soccer team. She earned her Master of Arts in Exercise Science in 2009, and quickly grew to one of the most respected athletic trainers in the business. Latimer most recently worked with USA Softball, but has also provided care for the Guyana Women's National Soccer Team, the Chicago Red Stars and the Florida Youth Soccer Association.

In 2015, Latimer was promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Trainer and took the women's basketball team under her wing, incorporating injury prevention programs for the NCAA Tournament team.

“Michele loves her job,” added Walz. “She continues to stay motivated to learn more each year and is well respected by our student-athletes, coaches, and staff. We love having her as part of the USF Sports Medicine team.”

USF Athletics sponsors 19 varsity men's and women's teams that compete in 11 different sports, 18 competing at the NCAA Division I level in the American Athletic Conference. The Bulls' athletic program celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 2015 having started with a men's soccer contest in 1965. Nearly 500 student-athletes train and compete in the athletic district located on the east end of Tampa campus.

– #GoBulls –