Nicki Pieart, M.S.Ed. '07, Shapes Future of Student-Athlete Health, Safety and Performance at NCAA
By Tony Scott
Nicki Pieart, M.S.Ed. ’07, knew as an undergraduate that she wanted to become a college athletic trainer, and she hoped to stay close to home for graduate school.
“I started exploring graduate programs that would let me continue my education while also working as a graduate assistant athletic trainer and gaining hands-on clinical experience along the way,” she said.
For Pieart, now the managing director of Health, Safety and Performance for the NCAA Sport Science Institute (SSI), NIU offered exactly what she was looking for.
Originally from Aurora, Illinois, Pieart earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Aurora University before pursuing her master’s degree in exercise physiology at NIU. Athletics had been part of her life from an early age.
She played multiple sports (“You name it, I probably tried it,” she said) before focusing on soccer and basketball, which she continued in college.
“I had two awesome athletic trainers in high school who really made an impression on me and got me thinking about that path,” she said. “I already knew I was interested in a healthcare or science-based field. Once I realized I could combine that with my passion for sports, it just clicked. I chose athletic training and never looked back.”
A season-ending knee injury during soccer at Aurora University, followed by a successful return to basketball, introduced her to the world of athletic training in a meaningful way.
At NIU, Pieart served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer, primarily working with the football and softball teams.
“It was a wonderful experience that really helped me grow and build confidence in my clinical skills, especially with the support and mentorship of the athletic training staff,” she said. “Those two years were incredibly impactful in shaping my career path in collegiate athletics. And as an added bonus, I built some life-long friendships along the way.”
Two faculty mentors, Phil Voorhis and Jeff Sisson, made a particularly lasting impact.
“They invested a ton of time in teaching and sharing their knowledge with the graduate assistants, and I really benefited from their guidance,” she said. “By the end of my two years, I felt confident and ready to step into my first full-time role. Beyond the clinical skills, they also helped shape how I think about the profession — especially when it comes to passion and commitment.”
Pieart said that while collegiate athletic training is demanding, it’s also deeply rewarding.
“You get to walk alongside student-athletes as they pursue their education and chase their goals, and you’re right there with them for the highs and lows,” she said. “Whether it’s being on the sideline during games or supporting them through rehab, you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
In her current role at the NCAA SSI, Pieart works with colleagues and the NCAA chief medical officer to provide strategic direction for the organization.
“The SSI’s mission is to be the preeminent sport science voice for college sports and to provide expert support to NCAA schools in their effort to protect and enhance student-athlete mental and physical health, safety and performance,” she said.
As an athletic trainer, she finds that mission deeply meaningful.
“My primary responsibility is to support member institutions in enhancing student-athlete well-being — an objective that sits at the very heart of athletic training,” she said.
The work comes with challenges, especially amid the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics.
“Success in this environment requires adaptability, a forward-thinking mindset and a readiness to navigate constant change while keeping student-athlete health, safety and performance at the forefront,” she said.
Recently, Pieart and two SSI colleagues accepted a recognition on behalf of the NCAA from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association during the NIT Championship. The honor acknowledged the NCAA’s efforts to support and advocate for athletic trainers and elevate their critical role in promoting student-athlete health, safety and performance.
“The recognition was especially meaningful for me as an athletic trainer — it was an honor to accept the award on behalf of the NCAA and my colleagues in SSI, who are all incredibly dedicated to our work,” she said.
Pieart looks back on her NIU years with fondness, noting that some of her favorite moments as an athletic trainer happened there.
“From long bus trips with the softball team to the University at Buffalo to football bowl games in San Diego, it was a whirlwind, but it was such a fun and memorable experience,” she said.
Her time at NIU reinforced a lesson she carries with her today: "to grow as a professional and as a person, one must stay curious and never stop learning." It’s the same advice she offers current graduate students.
“Take advantage of everything these two years have to offer — both in the classroom and during your clinical experiences,” she said. “Work hard, enjoy the experience and really focus on building relationships — because those are the things that last.”
This is just one example of how NIU prepares students for impactful careers. Discover how NIU is fortifying our future at niuforward.com.