Neal Hazen (2023) - Hall of Fame - Ball State University Athletics

Neal Hazen

Induction:
2023
Class:
1986

A Ball State alumnus with 34 years of professional devotion to his alma mater, this man dedicated his life to his student-athletes, coaches and staff.

Hazen began serving Ball State in 1986 and was the head athletic trainer for over 25 years. He received the NCAA Division I Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award from the Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine (ICSM) in 2019. Hazen was presented with his award in conjunction with the 70th annual National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) convention in Las Vegas. He was selected as the year's top head athletic trainer among nearly 350 Division I programs in the country.

Hazen oversaw the athletic training efforts for Ball State's 19 sports, shepherding a team of 10 full-time staff members. He served as the athletic department's liaison with team doctors and sports medicine providers.

Hazen was instrumental in the formation and leadership of Ball State's Campus Assessment Resource Education (CARE) Team, which exists to promote student-athlete well-being and safety. The team seeks to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with students exhibiting concerning behaviors or thoughts.

Hazen earned his bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Ball State in 1986 and added an MBA in 1994. He joined the Ball State staff as an assistant athletic trainer in 1987 and was promoted to head athletic trainer in 1996.

Hazen is a member of the Indiana Athletic Trainers' Association (IATA) Hall of Fame (2017) and the Cardinal Sports Medicine Ring of Honor (2006). He was named the IATA College and University Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2010 and received the NATA Service Award in 2006.