Indianapolis, Indiana – Dr. Trent Cayot, associate professor of Exercise Science, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of sports medicine, earning the 2025 Midwest ACSM Founders Award at the annual meeting of the Midwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
The Founders Award is one of the highest honors granted by the Midwest ACSM, given each year to a professional who has made a significant impact on the advancement of sports medicine within the region. The award celebrates excellence in research, education, and service to the professional community, and Dr. Cayot’s recognition marks a meaningful achievement in his long-standing dedication to the discipline.
“I was very humbled and taken back to have been awarded the Founders Award from the Midwest ACSM,” said Dr. Cayot. “Midwest ACSM provided me with valuable experiences when I was a student, and it has been very fulfilling to be able to give back to the next generation of students by serving the Midwest ACSM. Many professionals that I look up to in the sports medicine field within the Midwest region have been previously awarded the Founders Award. Therefore, it was a very surreal feeling to have joined the list of awardees.”
The Midwest American College of Sports Medicine is one of the largest regional chapters of ACSM, encompassing researchers, educators, clinicians, and students from across the Midwest. Its mission is to foster collaboration among professionals, promote advancements in sports medicine research, and support educational opportunities for those pursuing careers in the field.
Dr. Cayot’s recognition highlights his extensive work in exercise science and his ongoing commitment to mentoring future sports medicine professionals. Over the years, he has been deeply involved in academic research focusing on human performance, health promotion, and injury prevention. His work has not only contributed to the growing body of knowledge in sports medicine but has also influenced how exercise science is taught and applied in academic and clinical settings.
For Dr. Cayot, the honor carries a personal meaning as well. The Midwest ACSM was instrumental in shaping his early academic journey, offering him research and networking opportunities as a student—experiences that inspired him to stay active within the organization throughout his career.
His receipt of the Founders Award serves as a testament to his leadership, his dedication to advancing the field, and his ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of exercise scientists.
The recognition also underscores the vital role of educators like Dr. Cayot in bridging the gap between research and practice, helping translate scientific findings into real-world benefits for athletes, patients, and communities across the Midwest.
With this award, Dr. Cayot joins a distinguished list of professionals who have significantly contributed to the mission of the Midwest ACSM. His achievement not only celebrates individual excellence but also reinforces the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning within the ever-evolving world of sports medicine.
