Bowling Green, KY – Longtime Patriots Head Athletic Trainer Peggy Haus has been named the Mid-South Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year, conference officials announced Tuesday.  Haus becomes just the second Patriot to garner this distinction. 
 
"It has been a privilege serving as the Head Athletic Trainer at Cumberlands for the past 35 years and watch Cumberlands and the Mid-South Conference grow into one to perennial powers in the NAIA," said Haus. "I'm humbled to by recognized by my peers with this honor and this award is also a testament to the incredible Athletic Training staff that we have at UC."
 
Haus just concluded a remarkable 36 years of dedicated service to the Cumberlands athletic department, including spending the past 35 years as UC's Head Athletic Trainer. Throughout her tenure, Haus became one of the most respected and trusted figures within Cumberlands Athletics, impacting generations of student-athletes, coaches, and staff through her leadership, professionalism, and unwavering care.
 
"Peggy's recognition as the Mid-South Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year is a tremendous honor!" said Athletic Director Chris Kraftick.  "For more than 35 years, Peggy has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our teams have the support they need to perform at their best, and we're grateful for the commitment she has shown to the University of the Cumberlands and our student-athletes."
 
Haus has been recognized with several other honors over her longstanding commitment to Cumberlands. Haus was previously honored for 35 years of service to Cumberlands in 2025. In 2020, Ms. Haus was recognized with the UC Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual PATS Award for her countless contributions and lifetime of service to the Athletic Department. 2020 was a big year for Haus as she was named into the Kentucky Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame as well as inducted into the Troy High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
Haus' leadership helped establish a strong foundation for sports medicine services at Cumberlands during a period of tremendous growth for Patriot Athletics. During her tenure, the Sports Medicine Department has expanded to include seven full-time Athletic Trainers as well as a Director of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation that serves the 28 sports and over 800 student-athletes.  In addition to her responsibilities within athletics, Haus has also played an important role in the classroom as an adjunct instructor for the UC Health, Exercise and Sports Science Department teaching multiple classes. 

Haus remained active professionally throughout her career as a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), the College/University Athletic Trainers' Society (CATS), the Southeastern Athletic Trainers' Society (SEATA), and the Kentucky Athletic Trainers' Society (KATS). She is an NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer and is licensed in the state of Kentucky as an athletic trainer. She also served as an American Red Cross Instructor for both Professional Rescuer and Lay-Responder certifications.
 
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What People Are Saying:

"No one deserves this award more than Peggy. She has led by example for over 30 years and this past year was no different. She cares for every athlete and student that crosses her path and is one of the smartest minds in the field of Athletic Training. Her leadership has shaped me into who I am today and it has been a privilege to learn from and work with her." – Brina Strebeck, Director of Sports Medicine Operations

"We couldn't be more excited that Peggy has been named the Mid-South Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year. Peggy's impact extends far beyond the countless student-athletes she has cared for. She has been a mentor, teacher, and role model who has helped shape generations of athletic trainers, instilling in them the values of excellence, integrity, and servant leadership. Her commitment to our student-athletes and her unwavering passion for the athletic training profession have left a lasting legacy that will continue to influence our department for years to come." – Ashley Konrad, Head Athletic Trainer

"In my long career in collegiate athletics, Peggy is one of the best trainers I have ever worked with. She does an outstanding job with the student athletes as well as an amazing job mentoring the young trainers in her program. We are sorry to see Peggy go into the world of retirement but we wish her all the best and thank you for the professional you are. You will be missed!" – Rick Reeves, Head Women's Basketball Coach

"Peggy has been exceptional throughout the 2025-26 school year, providing steady leadership, expert care, and genuine compassion for our student-athletes when they needed it most. This award is a well-deserved reflection of not only the impact she has made this year, but also the standard of care, commitment, and excellence she has poured into generations of Patriots throughout her 35 years at Cumberlands. As she transitions from athletic training into full-time teaching, we are incredibly grateful for her legacy and excited that she will continue shaping the lives of students at Cumberlands." – Dr. Kathryn Park, Head Volleyball Coach