Cleary's Leanne Nichols Named WHAC Co-Athletic Trainer of the Year

-By WHAC Athletic Communications

HOWELL, Mich. - The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) announced Peter Benjamin (Madonna) and Leanne Nichols (Cleary) as Co-Athletic Trainers of the Year for the 2025-26 season. This marks the first time the award has been shared since its inception. Benjamin wins his second ever honor and first since 2020-21 while Nichols earns her first award.

Leanne Nichols:
Leanne has earned the distinction of Athletic Trainer of the Year through her exceptional leadership, strategic program growth, and unwavering dedication to student-athlete welfare at Cleary University. Recently promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, she has transformed the athletics department by expanding the full-time athletic training staff, improving student-athlete care, and implementing Cleary's first-ever Community Service Initiative. Beyond her outstanding clinical and administrative contributions, Leanne brings immense honor to her institution and the profession by serving as a campus Senior Woman Leader, a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team, and a national board member for the NAIA National Board of Senior Woman Leaders. Known for her integrity, compassion, and proactive approach, Leanne seamlessly balances high-level leadership with hands-on care, making her a truly exemplary advocate for student-athletes and colleagues alike.

Peter Benjamin:
In just a year and a half, Peter has completely revitalized the Madonna University athletic training department, replacing instability with a highly organized, fully digitized, and deeply trusted environment where student-athletes truly want to be. As an integral member of the Athletic Administration leadership group, he has championed student-athlete recognition by reviving the Blue and Gold awards and actively collaborates across the WHAC conference to advance the athletic training profession. Defined by his vibrant faith, Peter further enriches his campus community by founding "Crusaders for the Cross"—a weekly fellowship group for athletes—proving that his commitment to excellence extends far beyond injury management to genuinely elevate the entire collegiate athletic experience.

All-Time Athletic Trainer of the Year
2015-16: Beth Hubbard, Madonna
2016-17: Kevin Parker, Aquinas
2017-18: Aron Downey, UNOH
2018-19: Marloes Blokdijk, Lawrence Tech
2019-20: Jennifer Pitson, UNOH
2020-21: Peter Benjamin, Concordia
2021-22: Robyn Roznoski, Lourdes
2022-23: Erica Anderson, UNOH
2023-24: Lorie Robinette, Siena Heights
2024-25: Kasey FIcken, Concordia
2025-26: Peter Benjamin, Madonna & Leanne Nichols, Cleary