Marian’s Burton Named CL’s Athletic Trainer of the Year
JACKSON, Mich. – The Crossroads League announced on Monday that Jen Burton of Marian University had been named its 2025-2026 Athletic Trainer of the Year. The award is in its fourth year of existence for the Crossroads League.
"I am truly humbled and incredibly honored to be named the Crossroads League Athletic Trainer of the Year," said Burton. "To be recognized by a league filled with so many outstanding athletic trainers is something I will never take for granted. This honor is not mine alone, as it truly takes a village! It reflects the trust that our student-athletes place in me, the support of our coaches and administration, and the dedication of my incredible sports medicine colleagues who challenge and inspire me every day. I am especially grateful to my husband, Brian, and our two kids for their constant encouragement and understanding. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. It is a privilege to serve the Marian University and Crossroads League community, and I look forward to continuing to provide the care our athletes can count on for years to come."
Burton served in her first year as the Head Athletic Trainer at Marian University in 2025-2026, overseeing four other Athletic Trainers on staff. In all Burton has spent the past 19 years on staff at Marian.
Among Burton's achievements during the 2025-2026 year were initiating nutritional appointments for student-athletes at MU and coordinating a partnership with Perry Weather for the safety of Marian's student-athletes.
Burton possesses a degree in athletic training from Grand Valley State and a master's degree in sports performance from Ball State.
"I am extremely proud and happy for Jennifer to be named as the Crossroads League Athletic Trainer of the Year," said Marian Director of Athletics Steve Downing. "She is an extremely hard worker and does a great job working with our coaches and student-athletes. She has taken the reins as the Head Athletic Trainer very well this year and is continuing to find new ways to improve the well-being of our students at Marian."
The Crossroads League Athletic Trainer-of-the-Year award was voted on by Athletic Trainers from the Crossroads League.
Crossroads League Athletic Trainer-of-the-Year Recipients
2025-2026 – Jen Burton, Marian
2024-2025 – Nathan Reep, Indiana Wesleyan
2023-2024 – Beth Herrell, Huntington
2022-2023 – KC Hackman, Taylor