Every year, during the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ) Annual Conference, the Student Leadership Committee runs a concurrent educational session. Their session concludes with a student representative from each CAATE school in New Jersey participating in the Student Quiz Bowl. This fun and friendly contest tests the students’ athletic training knowledge in the spirit of competition. Beginning with the 2026 conference, the winner will have their name added to a trophy to display in their school’s Athletic Training Facility for the year. The trophy will return to the conference in subsequent years and be awarded with a new nameplate.
Through a unanimous vote of approval, the Executive Council announces this trophy shall be named The Camillone Cup. The name recognizes Joseph Camillone and Elisa (Lisa) Camillone, two influential ATSNJ trailblazers. Are their last names a coincidence? Not at all, as these unique individuals are bound both by profession and by marriage.
Joseph Camillone served as an Athletic Trainer at The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) for over three decades. He was one of the founding fathers of the New Jersey Athletic Trainers’ Society (now the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey) and their first elected President, serving from 1977 – 1980. Under his Society leadership and as a New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners (NJBME) Athletic Training Advisory Committee member, New Jersey athletic trainers acquired state registration, created the Athletic Training Practice Act, laying the groundwork for state licensure. Among his many recognitions, Joseph was honored with the 2007 EATA Presidential Award for his unselfish and dedicated efforts, which advanced the EATA and the athletic training profession. He was inducted into the ATSNJ Hall of Fame in 1997.
Lisa Camillone’s tenure as an Athletic Trainer and Assistant Athletic Trainer spanned 33 years at Mercer County Community College. Her revolutionary vision broke new ground in athletic training, paving the way for women in the field. Lisa served as the first female President of the ATSNJ from 1991 to 1993. During her term as ATSNJ President and NJBME Athletic Training Advisory Committee member, she initiated legislative discussions on athletic training practice settings. In addition to her work with the ATSNJ, Lisa served on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Women in Athletic Training Committee. Among her many recognitions, Lisa was honored with the Patricia C. Donohue Leadership Award presented by Mercer’s chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges for her leadership and mentorship of young women. She was inducted into the ATSNJ Hall of Fame in 2012.
Joseph and Lisa traveled two different paths with one common goal: improving the athletic training profession in New Jersey. The Camillone Cup will ensure their legacy of dedication and commitment continues among New Jersey’s rising athletic training students.
