On June 5, 2026, Shippensburg University’s Assistant Director of Sports Medicine, Tanya Miller, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Athletic Training Hall of Fame.
“I feel very blessed to have been nominated,” she said. John Moyer, who formerly served as the President of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) from 2014-2016, nominated Miller for the prestigious honor.
A volunteer leader of the PATS since 2005, she served as a member of the board of directors for six years, led governmental affairs for more than a decade and has advocated for major legislative work that has reshaped athletic training in Pennsylvania.
Miller shared how, in 2011, she helped advocate for a move from certification to licensure requirements for athletic trainers. “Licensure provides the highest level of protection for the public because it verifies that trainers have the proper credentials.” This effort resulted in licensure for athletic trainers in 2012, although the goal for her even then was modernization of the practice act, which passed in July 2024; an achievement Miller noted was 10-15 years in the making.
The law updated the scope of practice definitions for athletic trainers across Pennsylvania, a cause that Miller has supported throughout her conversations in committees and with legislators. Her work requires frequent travel to Harrisburg and dozens of letters to state lawmakers.
Miller’s advocacy efforts extend beyond Pennsylvania. She also serves on the District 2 governmental affairs committee of the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association, coordinating policies with neighboring states such as Delaware, New Jersey and New York. This collaboration contributes to national policy through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
To name a few of her legislative achievements, she has advocated for licensure portability, youth-safety bills addressing concussions and access to automated external defibrillators. Miller contributed to a cardiac arrest law in Pennsylvania, as well as efforts to require hands-only CPR training in high schools.
She traces her commitment to athletic training and volunteerism to her mentor, Steve Heckler, the PATS President from 1998 to 2009 and Director of Sports Medicine from 1975 to 2002, who encouraged her to enter her profession.
“You don’t get into this profession unless you love it, she said. “We’re a very unique healthcare profession because we see our patients daily.” As PATS celebrates its 50th anniversary, Miller’s induction pays homage to the field and those dedicated to service.
