Head Athletic Trainer at HSU Regarded as Unsung Hero by Peers

Head athletic trainer and adjunct instructor of athletic training at Hardin-Simmons University, DJ Gililland, was honored for his work in the advancement of the athletic training field at the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association’s 58^th Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposium.

Gililland was one of eight members recognized for his contributions of time and effort to the athletic training profession during the symposium held June 20, 2012, in Addison, Texas.

Gililland received the “Bobby Gun Unsung Hero Watch Award,” which goes to a member who has served unselfishly as either a behind-the-scenes volunteer or through their appointed or elected duties. “Gililland’s time and talents have been for the betterment of the association and the advancement of the profession,” said a news release issued by the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association this week.

Gilliland has served on both national and district committees and currently serves as the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association webmaster. 

At HSU, Gililland assumed the head athletic trainer position in June 2006, after serving four years as an assistant AT.

He is a Board of Certification, Inc., nationally Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), and is a Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT) through the Texas Department of Health.

A native of White Deer, Texas, Gililland’s responsibilities include serving as the administrator for the Sports Medicine Division, insurance coordinator, clinical preceptor to ATEP athletic training students; and provides direct athletic training care for the football and men’s basketball teams.

Gililland is a 1998 graduate of HSU with a Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree in all-level physical education and a 2000 graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, earning a Master of Science in Education degree. Currently DJ is completing his dissertation for the Doctor of Education degree from Texas A&M University. Gililland also served for two years as the head athletic trainer/clinical director of sports medicine at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Gililland is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, The Southwest Athletic Trainers Association, and The College Athletic Trainers Society.

In addition to his involvement within the profession, Gililland is active in the community and serves on the men’s ministry leadership team at South Side Baptist Church in Abilene.