Wolles Honored as GPAC Athletic Trainer of the Year

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern Director of Athletic Training Seth Wolles has been selected as the 2025-26 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Athletic Trainer of the Year.

"I'm honored my colleagues in the conference think so highly of me. It is a privilege to continue to lead Northwestern's sports medicine department," Wolles said. "I give all the credit to my staff – Kayla Tindall, Julia Vander Stelt, and Natalie Nieuwsma. We have a selfless group who consistently helps each other out."

Wolles recently completed his sixth year as Northwestern's Director of Athletic Training, overseeing the sports medicine needs of the Red Raiders while leading a staff of four full-time athletic trainers and four student athletic trainers. He serves as the primary athletic trainer for football and men's wrestling.

Wolles's expertise was especially evident this year as he helped provide emergency medical care following the football team's bus accident while traveling to a road game. He also coordinated sports medicine coverage for the GPAC Men's Wrestling Championships, keeping the mats safe for competition and providing injury care for student-athletes across the conference.

"I'm thankful the incredible work that Seth does for our athletic department is recognized by his GPAC colleagues," said Vice President for Athletics Tony Hoops. "He represents our mission through the daily interactions and care that he provides for our student-athletes. We are blessed to have he and his AT staff's elite care provided within a crucial position at Northwestern."

The award is selected by a vote of the conference's athletic trainers. As the conference recipient, Wolles advances as the GPAC nominee for the NAIA Athletic Trainer of the Year award.

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