Jill Ponzi, Genoa Middle School counselor, was recently named to the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association (OATA) Hall of Fame. Her induction took place at the OATA Symposium and Awards banquet in Dublin on May 13. Candidates for this most prestigious award are nominated by their peers, making this a most revered honor.
Ponzi received her BS in Education at The Ohio State University (’90), MEd from Ashland University (’03) and MEd from the University of Dayton (’12). She started her athletic training career with Columbus City Schools in 1991. In 1998 she started at Westerville North as a teacher/athletic trainer and presently is a school counselor at Genoa Middle School
Ponzi has been very active in the OATA, having served in many areas including the Professional Education Committee (State Meeting Planner, Local Committee Co-chair and Printing coordinator), Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Newsletter Editor and Linda Weber Daniel Outstanding Mentor Award Committee. She also worked with the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association (GLATA) as Webmaster (’10-’14), Newsletter Editor (’01-’06) and on the Winter Meeting Local Planning Committee. Nationally, she has served on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Secretary/Treasurer Committee (’06-’10) and on the NATA Hall of Fame Awards Committee. Ponzi received the OATA Athletic Trainer of the Year Award (’98), OATA Special Consideration Award (’04) and OATA President’s Award (’03). She has received the GLATA Captain of the Great Lakes President’s Award (’04) and Dedicated Service Award (’10).
Ponzi is a driving force in the growth and development of the OATA. She has had great impact within the organization as well as with public and political groups.