President's Award
This award is given to an individual in recognition of contributions to the field of strength and conditioning and to the NSCA. Recipient is selected by the NSCA President.
Congratulations to our 2026 recipient:
Jay Dawes, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, TSAC-F,*D, FNSCA
Jay Dawes is a Professor of Applied Exercise Science at Oklahoma State University with over 25 years of experience in human performance. His background includes roles as an athletic performance coordinator, strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, and educator. Over his career, Dr. Dawes has worked with a broad spectrum of populations, including collegiate and professional athletes and tactical professionals such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and military personnel. He also provides ongoing sports science support and education to elite teams and tactical units, with a focus on enhancing operational readiness and mitigating injury risk. His research centers on optimizing health, fitness, and performance outcomes in tactical athletes, first responders, and traditional sport populations. Dr. Dawes has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and educational materials in strength and conditioning, human performance, and tactical readiness.
Past Award Recipients Includes:
| 2025 - Chris Poirier | 2004 - Jamie L. Aslin, John Taylor, and Kim M. Dixon |
| 2024 - Greg Sharpe and Richard Sorin (posthumously) | 2003 - Helen Binkley |
| 2023 - Ryoji Abe, MS, CSCS and David García López, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D | 2001 - Patrick Mediate |
| 2022 - Maria Teresa Mendizabal, NSCA-CPT,*D Jerry Palmieri, MA, CSCS, RSCC*E |
1999 - NSCA Certification Commission, Doug Kleiner, Michael Stone, and John Taylor |
| 2000 - NSCA National Office Staff, Don Chu, Patrick Hagerman, Mike Nitka, and Gary Shankman | 1998 - Al Biancani, Doug Lentz, Rob Panariello, and Peter Twist |
| 2019 - Ray Ganong | 1997 - Sueo Oyama, Bruno Pauletto, and David Pearson |
| 2018 - Dr. William J. Kraemer and Dr. Michael H. Stone | 1996 - NSCA National Office Staff |
| 2017 - Virginia Meier and Dr. T. Jeff Chander | 1995 - Chris Fett, Everett Harman, and Dan Wathen |
| 2016 - Keith Cinea and Robert Jursnick | 1994 - Steven S. Plisk and David Pearson |
| 2013 - Dr. Michael Ma | 1993 - Lawrence E. Armstrong, Bill Montgomery, and Don Chu |
| 2012 - Douglas J. Casa | 1992 - Michael Stone and Jeff Chandler |
| 2011 - Danny J. McMillian | 1991 - Robert Cincotta, Karen Manzella, Todd Hendrickson, Karl Friedl, John Garhammer, Mike Stone, Joan Kraemer, Gary Goranson, Elise Reising, and Donna Welsh |
| 2010 - David Sandler | 1990 - Doug Semenick, Mike Clark, Carl Maresh, David Pearson, Tim McClellan, Doug Catlin, Steve Fleck, Karl Friedl, Michael Carter, John Garhammer, Bill Kroll, Gary Shankman, and Patrick O’Shea |
| 2009 - Joel Cramer | 1989 - Doug Semenick, Susan Cloidt, Gary Goranson, and Larry Armstrong |
| 2008 - Terry J. Housh | 1988 - Meg Ritchie, Denise Gater, Lori Gilstrap, Jan Todd, Lynn Stoessel, Jean Holloway, Sue Hillman, and David Gater |
| 2007 - Joseph P. Weir and Larry Meadors | 1987 - William Kraemer, John Garhammer, Jerry Simmons, Bill Foran, Bruno Pauletto, and Doug Semenick |
| 2006 - Doug Lentz | 1986 - Thomas Baechle, Dan Wathen, Bill Allerheiligen, Gary Dudley, John Garhammer, William Kraemer, Steve Fleck, Duane Buturusis, Michael Stone, James Wright, and Benjamin Harrison |
| 2005 - Kevin Cleary and Mark Roozen |
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