Sometimes the most unfortunate things turn into the most fortunate opportunities. That is what happened to Lori Vancza when she had the unfortunate experience of spraining her ankle but thanks to her volleyball coach taking her to NATA HOF athletic trainer/PT, Pinky Newell at Purdue University to take a look at her. It sparked a fire that has been burning for over 40 years. Starting at Purdue as a student athletic trainer and being taught by NATA Hall of Famer Denny Miller, Jim Russ, and Sue Hillman and one class by Pinky Newell she embarked on a career that saw her work in many different settings. After graduating from Purdue she took her new skills to the University of Kentucky for grad school. While there she was involved with one of the first hospital based AT high school out reach program spearheaded by renown orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mary Lloyd Ireland. Lori worked for two different high schools in the Lexington area until a call from Denny Miller that told her about an opening at Indiana State for a co-head athletic trainer. This kicked off a run that lasted close to 15 years in this role. Lori made an impact in many student AT's clinical experiences and that desire to translate these skills to another population led her to her current position as a occupational safety specialist in the office of Environmental Safety at Indiana State. In 2002 she was awarded the Professional Excellence in Athletic Training award by the Indiana Athletic Trainer's Association. She currently resides in Terre Haute, IN
