The Phoenix Suns named Aaron Nelson the club's new Head Athletic
Trainer today. Nelson becomes just the second head athletic trainer
in the team's 32-year history, replacing the legendary Joe Proski,
who recently stepped down.
Nelson, the second-youngest head athletic
trainer in the NBA, served as the Suns' assistant athletic trainer
for seven-plus seasons since his hire in 1993. During that time he
has been actively involved with all aspects of the team's medical
and travel needs, including preventative measures, treatment,
evaluation and rehabilitation.
In addition to his work with the Suns, Nelson served as head
athletic trainer for the Phoenix Smash (World Team Tennis) and
Arizona Sandsharks (Continental Indoor Soccer League) - both
entities of Phoenix Arena Sports - in 1993. He also was a member of
the athletic training staff of the Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football
League) during the team's inaugural season in 1991.
Nelson is certified as an athletic trainer and also as a
strength and conditioning specialist. He is a member of the
National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), Arizona Athletic
Trainers Association (AZATA) and the National Strength and
Conditioning Association (NSCA) and will become part of the
National Basketball Trainers Association (NBTA).
Following graduation from Iowa State University in December
1992, Nelson spent the spring 1993 semester as a graduate assistant
at Arizona State University. While an undergraduate, he was a
student athletic trainer for four years under NATA Hall of Famer
Frank Randall. He earned a bachelor of science degree in physical
education with an emphasis on athletic training and a minor in
health.
Nelson is a native of Manning, Iowa, and is the brother-in-law
of former Suns guard Jeff Hornacek.