Athletic Training Challenge
ATHLETIC TRAINING CHALLENGE
Athletic Trainers are health care professionals who specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing, and rehabilitating athletic injuries. Athletic Trainers provide a critical link between the medical community and individuals who participate in all types of physical activity.
The Student Athletic Training State Challenge, established in the 1999–2000 school year, was created to increase statewide awareness of athletic training in New Mexico. The NMAA partnered with the New Mexico Athletic Trainers’ Association (NMATA) to officially recognize athletic training and student involvement as a sanctioned high school activity.
The annual challenge is designed to honor high school students for their academic commitment, hands-on skills, and dedication to the field of athletic training. Participation encourages the development of essential professional abilities, including effective communication, sound decision-making, evaluation of alternative solutions, and strong critical thinking skills.
The competition includes:
- Written examinations
- Practical skill assessments
- An “Olympic” component featuring athletic‑training‑related challenges
- Educational presentations on medical and athletic training topics
Scores from the written and practical exams determine both individual and team state champions. The exam structure is modeled after the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) certification exam, helping spark interest in the profession and preparing students for future careers in athletic training.
NMAA CONTACT
Luisa Storey (Primary)
505.249.4915 (office)
luisa.storey@aps.edu
Julie Sanchez (NMAA Contact)
505.923.3278 (office)
julie@nmact.org
2025 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
St. Pius X HS |
2 |
Piedra Vista HS |
3 |
Cleveland HS |
INDIVIDUAL
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Lilly Amaya – Alamogordo High School |
2 |
Abigail Rael – St. Pius X High School |
3 |
James Martinez – St. Pius X High School |
2024 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Alamogordo HS |
2 |
Gadsden HS |
3 |
Centennial HS |
INDIVIDUAL
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Lily Amaya – Alamogordo High School |
2 |
Jason Salopek – Las Cruces High School |
3 |
Lily Martinez – Las Cruces High School |
2023 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Gadsden HS |
2 |
Alamogordo HS |
3 |
Centennial HS |
INDIVIDUAL
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Odeth Varela, Gadsden HS |
2 |
Destiny Ortiz, Gadsden HS |
3 |
Clarissa Caldera, Gadsden HS |
2022 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Gadsden HS |
2 |
Las Cruces HS |
3 |
Centennial HS |
INDIVIDUAL
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Kylie Dictson, Las Cruces HS |
2 |
Abigail Munoz, Gadsden HS |
3 |
Samantha Reyna, Gadsden HS |
2021 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Gadsden HS |
2 |
Alamogordo HS |
3 |
Centennial HS |
INDIVIDUAL
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Abigail Muno, Gadsden HS |
2 |
Melissa Lucero, Gadsden HS |
3 |
Eliana Avalos, Gadsden HS |
2019 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Alamogordo HS |
2 |
Gadsden HS |
3 |
Deming HS |
INDIVIDUAL
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Hennasee Dukes, Sandia HS |
2 |
Ella Dean, Alamogordo HS |
3 |
Alexi Castro, Rio Rancho HS |
2018 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Centennial HS |
2 |
Alamogordo HS |
3 |
Santa Teresa HS |
INDIVIDUAL
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Laney Matanis, Centennial HS |
2 |
Mia Palomares, Gadsden HS |
3 |
Alexi Castro, Rio Rancho HS |
2017 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Centennial HS |
2 |
Eldorado HS |
3 |
Santa Teresa HS |
4 |
Gadsden HS |
INDIVIDUAL
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Nique Gbogbo, Centennial HS |
2 |
Le Ngan, Eldorado HS |
3 |
Evan Lau, Rio Rancho HS |
4 |
Joslyn Schlothaur, Las Cruces HS |
2016 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Centennial HS |
2 |
Gadsden HS |
3 |
Eldorado HS |
2015 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
5A/6A
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Gadsden HS |
2 |
Centennial HS |
3 |
Eldorado HS |
2014 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Centennial HS |
2 |
Gadsden HS |
3 |
Eldorado HS |
2013 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Rio Rancho HS |
2 |
Gadsden HS |
3 |
Santa Teresa HS |
2012 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Rio Rancho HS |
2 |
Las Cruces HS |
3 |
Gadsden HS |
2011 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Rio Rancho HS |
2 |
Eldorado HS |
3 |
Las Cruces HS |
2010 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Rio Rancho HS |
2 |
Eldorado HS |
3 |
Mayfield HS |
2009 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
TEAM
| RESULT | PARTICIPANT |
|---|---|
1 |
Rio Rancho HS |
2 |
Las Cruces HS |
3 |
Gadsden HS |