Suns Name Aaron Nelson Head Athletic Trainer

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

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.