Athletic trainer, educator and leader in sports medicine

Rochel R. Rittgers, '81, built a distinguished career advancing the athletic training profession through clinical care, education and leadership. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor's degree in physical education and a minor in athletic training, she went on to earn a master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University before becoming one of the nation's most respected athletic trainers.

For nearly three decades, Rittgers served at Augustana College, where she was coordinator of intercollegiate athletic training, head athletic trainer and director of the sports medicine curriculum. She also worked as an athletic trainer at the United States Olympic Training Center and later served as administrative director of Sports Medicine and director of Sports Medicine Outreach for Associated Rehabilitation Services.

Throughout her career, Rittgers helped shape the future of athletic training through education, accreditation and professional service. She was a clinical instructor educator for athletic training accreditation programs, chaired numerous committees for the National Athletic Trainers' Association and served as president of the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association in 2004.

Her expertise was also recognized on the national stage, serving as medical director for two NCAA Division III National Wrestling Championships and a Division III Regional Cross Country Championship.

In recognition of her impact on the profession, Rittgers was inducted into the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the National Athletic Trainers' Association's Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award in 2013, one of the organization's highest honors.

Following her career in athletic training and higher education, Rittgers founded Infinite Living LLC and serves as senior minister of the Infinite Living Holistic Health and Spiritual Center in Bettendorf, Iowa.

In 2019, the University of Northern Iowa recognized Rittgers' outstanding career and lasting contributions by inducting her into the Elinor A. Crawford and William R. Thrall Hall of Excellence.