UNA sports medicine duo win state athletic training awards

TRUSSVILLE — Two Shoals-area sports medicine providers won honors at the Alabama Athletic Trainers’ Association Clinical Symposium and Members Meeting on Friday in Trussville.

Dr. Jeff Hovater of North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic is the Dr. Jimmy Robinson Sports Medicine Person of the Year. Josh Penny, associate athletic director for Sports Medicine at the University of North Alabama, is the College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year. 

The Sports Medicine Person of the Year award is the highest award given to someone who may not be an athletic trainer and it recognizes exceptional support, leadership, and dedication to the profession. North Alabama Bone and Joint’s Dr. John Young and Dr. A.E. Joiner are past recipients of this award.

The College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year award recognizes an athletic trainer at the college/university level for service to the institution, the community, and ALATA. This person serves many functions in addition to athletic training.

Hovater has long served as one of the Lions’ primary team doctors and orthopedic specialists. North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic is also the official sports medicine provider of UNA Athletics. Hovater trained under the world-renowned Dr. James Andrews before joining NABJC in 2008.

Born and raised in Florence, Hovater graduated from Bradshaw High School (now Florence High). He finished his undergraduate degree at Auburn University and went to Kansas City University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine prior to working with Andrews in Birmingham.

“I’m truly honored to be recognized by the ALATA,” Hovater said. “It’s been a privilege to support UNA Athletics as part of the team at North Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic. … Collaborating with UNA’s athletic trainers and medical staff to care for student-athletes is incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to be part of a team that prioritizes both performance and long-term health.”

Penny has led the sports medicine staff at UNA since 2003, making him one of the longest-tenured members of the athletic department. He also served as a graduate assistant at UNA from 1999-02 following his graduation from West Alabama. He primarily works with the football program while overseeing the sports medicine department for all sports.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition from the ALATA,” Penny said. “I would not be in this position without the hard work and dedication of my staff, both past and present. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to perform my duties on a daily basis. I am also thankful for our administration and the support we have in our department, as well as Dr. Hovater and the incredible staff at Bone & Joint.

“I’ve been proud to serve UNA Athletics for the last 22 years, and I look forward to serving our student-athletes for the years to come.”

The Alabama Athletic Trainers’ Association (ALATA) is the professional organization for all athletic training professionals and students in Alabama. It is one of seven state organizations in the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association, which is District IX of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.