UCF associate athletics director/sports medicine and head football athletic trainer Mary Vander Heiden has been named the Dr. Robert Cade Sports Medicine Person of the Year by the Athletic Trainers Association of Florida (ATAF).
The award is named in honor of Dr. James Robert Cade, a nephrologist at the University of Florida College of Medicine who invented Gatorade. It is awarded to a sports medicine professional, regardless of the field, who has demonstrated over the past year an outstanding dedication and devotion to the profession of athletic training in the state of Florida. This individual has supported and participated in the advancement and employment of athletic trainers throughout the state. Vander Heiden is the first female winner and only the second athletic trainer to receive the award.
ATAF is committed to the advancement of the sports medicine profession through education, community engagement, legislative efforts, and professional development, dedicating financial support and leadership, ultimately enhancing patient-centered care.
Vander Heiden in May 2021 was named to the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine (ICSM) Division I Subcommittee. In that role she represents the American Athletic Conference.
The ICSM subcommittee addresses issues affecting student-athletes and athletic trainers at Division I collegiate institutions. It identifies relevant, timely issues in the field of athletic training and brings those issues forward so the committee can collaborate with various organizing bodies of collegiate and intercollegiate athletics to improve student-athlete safety, well-being and healthcare by influencing policy and providing resources.
Vander Heiden in May 2020 was named to the AAC COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group, which comprises medical professionals from each conference member institution.
Prior to Vander Heiden's current post, she served as UCF's head football athletic trainer beginning in 2007. She has been a full-time part of the Knights' sports medicine staff since 2001.
Vander Heiden is a native of Port Washington, Wisconsin.