Keynote Speakers at NATA 2026
More details to come!
Sarah Thomas
The NFL’s First Female Official; One of the Sports Illustrated 100 Most Influential NFL Figures of All Time
Sarah Thomas changed the game in the world’s most quintessential male-dominated sport – football – when she became the first female NFL official. Now she’s inspiring others to dream big and believe anything is possible.
She officiated her first NFL game on September 13, 2015, between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans – and on February 7, 2021, she became the first female to officiate a Super Bowl. Today, Sarah’s hat, whistle and flag are on display at the NFL Hall of Fame and serve as a testament to her historic achievements. Named one of the Sports Illustrated 100 most influential figures of all time, Sarah is no stranger to being the first or breaking gender-barriers.
Since joining the NFL’s roster of officials, she has become a trailblazing inspiration to women everywhere, and she keeps the mindset of being the best you can be – no barrier or ceiling is shatterproof.
Off the field, Sarah is a Marketing Specialist for Mid-South Rehab, Inc. and a National Speaker for Keppler Speakers Bureau. She was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She is a graduate of the University of Mobile, where she earned a full scholarship as a basketball player and Academic All-American honors. She has had many national recognitions for her accomplishments throughout her journey, but nothing compares to being a mom to her three beautiful children, Bridley (22), Brady (20), and Bailey (11).
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, PhD, ATC, FNATA
Kevin Guskiewicz is an athletic trainer, nationally recognized neuroscientist and higher education leader. He earned his bachelor’s degree from West Chester University, a master’s from the University of Pittsburgh, and a PhD from the University of Virginia.
He spent 28 years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, serving as founding director of two leading concussion research centers, department chair, senior associate dean, dean, and five years as chancellor. He now serves as the 22nd president of Michigan State University.
Throughout his distinguished career, Guskiewicz has earned some of the nation’s highest honors, including a 2011 MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the “genius grant”, for his groundbreaking research on sport-related concussions. He was also named a 2013 Time Magazine “Game Changer” and a 2020 NATA Hall of Fame inductee. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
Devon Gales
Devon Gales is a former Southern University wide receiver whose life changed dramatically after suffering a spinal cord injury during a game against the University of Georgia on Sept. 26, 2015. Paralyzed from the chest down following the collision, Gales became widely known not only for the tragedy of the injury, but for the resilience, positivity and determination he demonstrated in the years that followed.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Gales remained deeply connected to the Georgia community after the injury. With support from the Georgia football community and Bulldog fans, he and his family settled in Jefferson, Georgia, where he later worked part-time as a teacher at Jefferson Academy and served as an assistant coach for the Jefferson High School football team.
Despite the physical challenges he faced, Gales returned to school in 2021 and earned a degree in Communications from the University of Georgia. He has described graduating as one of his proudest accomplishments, especially after everything he endured.
Gales developed a lasting friendship with Ron Courson, the longtime Georgia athletic trainer who cared for him immediately after the injury and throughout his recovery. Their bond eventually led to collaborative work on a book chronicling Gales’ life, recovery and outlook.
Known for his optimism, faith and motivational spirit, Gales has become an advocate for perseverance and overcoming adversity. He continues to speak publicly about resilience, the importance of community support and finding purpose after hardship. His long-term goal is to inspire others through motivational speaking and storytelling.