CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Harvard athletic trainers Nicolas Benitez and Jordan Knight have been named this year's co-recipients of the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts (ATOM) Athletic Trainer of the Year award, as announced by the organization. This award is given annually to an athletic trainer who exhibits exemplary service to their patients and organization.

"Nic and Jordan have consistently provided high quality care towards our student-athletes.  It's great to see their significant contributions be recognized by their peers," said Brant Berkstresser, the Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Health and Performance.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Harvard Sports Medicine welcomed Benitez in 2016. Since joining the Crimson athletic department, Benitez has worked with Harvard football, men's and women's track and field and men's and women's cross country. Before coming to Harvard, Benitez served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the Crimson for two years, assisting with football and women's water polo.

Knight joined the Harvard staff after spending three years at Auburn. Serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer with the Tigers, Knight worked closely with the football and baseball programs while functioning as a liaison between athletic trainers and the team physician. At Harvard, Knight works alongside Benitez with the football team as well as handling the athletic training needs of the baseball and sailing programs.