NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University Athletics proudly inducted five new members into the ODU Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating their significant contributions to the athletic program. Among the honorees was Marty Bradley, a longtime athletic trainer at ODU who partnered closely with Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists (AOS) doctors to care for the university’s athletes. Recognized under the “Administrators-Coaches” category, Bradley’s induction highlights his extensive career and invaluable service to ODU Athletics and the field of sports medicine.
Bradley began his ODU journey in 1975 as the university’s first full-time athletic trainer. Over his more than four decades of service, he became an integral part of the ODU athletics program, ensuring the health and safety of student-athletes. He retired in 2018 as ODU’s Associate AD for Sports Medicine Services. His dedication to athlete well-being and his collaboration with ODU’s medical team, including many AOS doctors, helped shape the university’s sports medicine program.
The Role of an Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers, or ATs, are healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, management, and recovery of injuries and illnesses in athletes. They are often the first responders on the field when injuries occur, providing immediate care and guiding athletes through rehabilitation. ATs work closely with doctors and other healthcare providers to ensure athletes recover fully and return to peak performance. Bradley exemplified this role at ODU, working alongside doctors from AOS to provide the highest level of care for ODU athletes.
Marty Bradley’s Accomplishments at a Glance:
– ODU’s first full-time Athletic Trainer (1975-2018)
– Retired as ODU’s Associate AD for Sports Medicine Services
– Inducted into the first class of the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers Assoc. Hall of Fame (2011)
– Inducted into the Virginia Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame (2015)
– Recipient of the National Athletic Trainers Association Service Award
– Recipient of the National Athletic Trainers 25-year Award
– Recipient of the National Athletic Trainers Most Distinguished Trainer Award
– Honored with the ODU Service Recognition Award
– Served on the NATA Board of Directors (1991-97)
– Served as NATA Vice President (1994-95)
– Member of the NATA Post Certification Graduate Education Committee (1997-2002)
– Graduate Athletic Training Program Director for 22 years, developing one of only 14 such programs in the country at the time
– Graduated from Southern Illinois University with a BS in Physical Education
– Earned a Master of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Arizona (1975)
– Served as a Graduate Assistant for two years at Southern Illinois University
– Head Athletic Trainer for the New York Mets minor league affiliate for two years
Bradley’s contributions to sports medicine at ODU and nationally have been immense. He was instrumental in developing ODU’s graduate athletic training program, which became one of only 14 such programs in the country. His leadership extended to national roles with the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), where he helped advance the profession of athletic training.
At his induction ceremony, many of Bradley’s colleagues and friends were in attendance to show their appreciation. Several doctors from AOS, including both retired and current physicians, honored Bradley’s legacy. Among them were retired doctors Dr. Abbott Byrd and Dr. John Schaffer, as well as current doctors Dr. Chad Manke, Dr. Jennifer Byrd, Wilford Gibson, and athletic trainer Jonathan Hartman. Their presence highlighted the long-standing partnership between Bradley and the AOS team in providing exceptional care for ODU’s athletes.
Marty Bradley’s induction into the ODU Sports Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a career marked by excellence, collaboration, and dedication to the field of sports medicine. His legacy at ODU and in the athletic training community will be remembered for years to come.
