WALESKA, Ga. - The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), as part of the End of Year Awards, revealed the winner of the Athletic Trainer of the Year honor on Tuesday morning. Milligan University's Assistant AD for Sports Medicine, Burena Edens, was bestowed the recognition for the first time in her career.

Edens came to Milligan in 2014 as an assistant athletic trainer, before eventually being promoted to the head athletic trainer title in 2018. Prior to the 2024-25 schoolyear, she was elevated to Assistant AD for Sports Medicine. In addition to her duties at Milligan, she has served as the athletic trainer at many AAC Championships events located in Kingsport, such as the men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, swimming, and volleyball championships. In addition, she was the outdoor track & field trainer for this year's AAC Championship, hosted at Science Hill HS by the Buffs.

"I'm speechless," Edens remarked, "which everyone knows is impossible for me. It's a blessing to have the honor and I am thankful for the recognition. I just want to be supportive to student-athletes and those I work with, from coaches to fellow athletic trainers, during my career. Thank you!"

It is the first time that Milligan has been recognized for the award since its inception in 2015-16.

Click HERE to view the previous years' honorees.

Click HERE for this year's announcement.