Iverson Honored by NCCAA

Krista Iverson, athletic trainer for Emmaus University, was recognized as this year's "Paul & Carolyn Berry Award - Game Plan 4 LIFE" recipient at the 2026 NCCAA Convention Awards Banquet. This selective award is presented to one female athletic staff person identified from among all 88 NCCAA member institutions. Iverson attended the awards luncheon in Greenville, SC to receive the award in-person on Thursday, May 27 accompanied by her husband, Tim Iverson, and Emmaus University President, Philip Boom and Athletic Director, Chris McHugh. 

Krista Iverson has faithfully served Emmaus University for 29 years as the Certified Athletic Trainer for the Emmaus Eagle athletic programs. Her impact has been consistent and significant in duration and impact. Recenlty, an institutional donor gave funds to renovate and rename the Emmaus training room after Iverson and her husband. Last year, Iverson earned the 2025 Emmaus Service Award, an honor that is given to one staff member on campus for their exceptional service.

Iverson is a servant-leader who embodies the NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE character traits of love, integrity, faith, and excellence not just with the student-athletes but with everyone she encounters. Iverson's loving and caring demeanor has fostered an environment where student-athlete report their injuires and concerns, and willingly pursue proper treatment. Her care extends beyond student-athletes, as she is often gracious to take referrals from other Emmaus staff to treat the general student body despite the demands of managing athletic treatment.   

Emmaus Men's Soccer alumnus Carlos Ventura shared a personal testimony of Iverson's care as a trainer stating, "There was a time during my junior year that I was trying to get cleared by my surgeon after I had torn my ACL and meniscus, and I couldn't afford to go see them. Mrs. Iverson helped in so many ways and she took me to the appointment all the way down in Davenport, Iowa, over an hour's drive from campus. She is one of the most loving people I have met at Emmaus. She embodies sacrificial love that Christ commands us to have in John 13:34 and John 15:12."

Emmaus Athletic Director Chris McHugh shared, "From myself and our Emmaus coaching staf...congratulations! We are thankful for you and grateful for your partnership in this ministry. Your care, professionalism, and communication with our staff, the student-athletes and their parents is a blessing and a testimony of your love for Christ and our students. We are grateful for you and your family's investment to the Emmaus community."