2026 NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year presented by Bob McCloskey Insurance
NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year
The NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year presented by Bob McCloskey Insurance is awarded to an athletic trainer who best exemplifies the overall purpose of leading their institution, athletic department, and student athletes through athletic training.
Created in the spring of 2020, the NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year is part of the NJCAA Annual Awards that honor three distinct categories across the association – Athletic Director of the Year, Sports Information Director of the Year, and Athletic Trainer of the Year. These awards represent individuals who strive to create the optimal student-athlete experience on their campus while also performing duties that go far beyond the institutional level. To view past winners, visit: NJCAA Annual Award Past Winners
Carita Mills – WVU Potomac State College
Mills is currently in year six of her second stint as Head Athletic Trainer for Potomac State. She previously held this role from 2013 to 2018 before returning to Potomac State in 2020. Mills is currently the only athletic trainer for the Catamounts, greatly expanding her responsibilities and caring for nearly 200 athletes herself. She attends practices, home games, and travels to many away contests. Through assessing and treating all injuries as well as establishing beneficial rehabilitation programs, she is committed to creating the best student-athlete experience possible. In addition to ensuring Catamount student-athletes are ready to perform, Mills is responsible for all insurance billing and coordination with team physicians and other medical professionals to provide student athletes with high level access to evaluation and treatment options. She is a member of the Board of Certification for The Athletic Trainer (BOC), West Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association (WVATA), and the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA).
Aside from her everyday duties as an Athletic Trainer, Mills is leading the charge in establishing better wellness education for Catamount student-athletes. Over the summer, she made it a priority to become a certified nutritionist, finding even more ways to benefit her student-athletes. Through this certification, Mills has been able to provide nutritional education sessions and consultations. This year, a nutrition cart has been added to better fuel student-athletes. She is seen as a constant source of created solutions, and her creativity and problem-solving abilities make her stand out amongst her peers.
Aside from her own student-athletes, Carita is also known for dedicating her time to her community. She often volunteers her time as an athletic trainer at local youth wrestling tournaments. Carita has also been a helping hand in covering for other athletic trainers in Region 20. She continues to find ways to impact her community through her craft and beyond. After a flooding occurred in the local area, Carita helped organize a book drive for the local elementary schools. She continues to go above and beyond in a variety of ways.
It is clear that Carita is dedicated to the student-athletes and community at Potomac State. Her continued efforts and dedication to Catamount athletics do not go unnoticed by her peers, student-athletes, nor her community. "[Carita] connects with students and walks with them through their NJCAA journey," Amanda Larkin, Athletic Director of Potomac State said. "She serves to embody the mission of the NJCAA and our institution through her work."
For all 2026 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2025-26 NJCAA Honors Announced
For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home