Kara Werner-Sanders has recently transitioned into her new role as Manager, Beacon Athletic Training Department, after a distinguished tenure as the Head Athletic Trainer at Indiana University South Bend from 2009-2014 and 2016-2025.
Throughout her career, Kara has demonstrated exceptional leadership in athletic training on local, regional, and national levels. She actively served on numerous committees for the NAIA-ATA and the CCAC, including roles as past secretary (2020–2022) and current vice president (2022– 2025) of the NAIA-ATA Executive Board. She has served as a NATA-ICSM committee member representing the NAIA division (2022–2023) and currently serves as Chair of the NAIA division within NATA-ICSM (2023–present). Additionally, she represented the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) as the NAIA-ATA Board of Directors representative (2019–2025). Kara has previously chaired both the CCAC Athletic Trainers Committee (2010–2014) and the NAIA-ATA Professional Education and Research Committee (2011–2014; 2018–2025), and served on the NAIA Drug Testing Committee (2012–2014).
Kara has been recognized for her excellence with numerous accolades, including being named the 2024–2025 Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine NAIA Head Athletic Trainer of the Year. She is also a three-time CCAC Athletic Trainer of the Year honoree (2010–2011, 2017–2018, 2023–2024), a member of Beacon Health System’s honorary E-Crew (2013), and a member of Michiana’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018. Kara was named IU South Bend Staff Member of the Year for 2019–2020 and selected as one of the Top 25 Titans in 2023.
Dedicated to advancing the profession, Kara will continue teaching in the School of Education and School of Health Sciences at IU South Bend, where she shares her expertise in various courses. She also serves as a clinical preceptor for Master-level athletic training students from CAATE-accredited programs across the Midwest. Kara remains committed to fostering the next generation of athletic trainers and healthcare professionals.
In addition to her professional roles, Kara serves on the Beacon Health System DEI Advisory Council and the Elkhart Area Career Center Sports Medicine Program Advisory Board.
An Illinois native, Kara earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Carroll University (Waukesha, WI) in 2007 and her Master of Arts in Counseling with an emphasis in Higher Education from Lakeland University (Sheboygan, WI) in 2009. During her graduate studies, she served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer and assistant softball coach.
Kara is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Indiana Athletic Trainers’ Association, Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Association, Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She holds certifications as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Licensed Athletic Trainer (IN & MI), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and certified instructor for both the American Red Cross and American Heart Association.
IU South Bend extends its sincere gratitude to Kara for her dedicated service to the institution and her unwavering commitment to IU South Bend Athletics and Titan Student-Athletes. Her impact on our athletic programs, students, and university community will be felt for years to come.
