Her Story
About Marsha
Dr. Marsha Grant-Ford is a pioneering athletic trainer, educator, and sports medicine leader whose career has spanned more than five decades across collegiate athletics, elite international competition, healthcare education, and clinical practice. Recognized as the first African American woman to pass the athletic training credentialing examination in 1979, she helped break barriers in a profession where opportunities for women and minorities were extremely limited. Throughout her distinguished career, she built a reputation for excellence in athletic training education, clinical leadership, and athlete-centered care while advocating for greater diversity, mentorship, and professional integrity within sports medicine.
A longtime faculty leader at Montclair State University, Dr. Grant-Ford served as Associate Professor and Clinical Education Coordinator for more than two decades, overseeing clinical education standards, mentoring future athletic trainers, and helping shape athletic training curriculum and accreditation practices nationwide. Her extensive clinical and consulting experience includes work with NCAA athletics across all divisions, USA Lacrosse, international women’s basketball and gymnastics, professional women’s softball, adaptive sports programs, and Olympic-level athletes. Passionate about dancer and gymnast wellness, she founded “The Body Shop,” Montclair State University’s pioneering performing arts medical initiative focused on dancer health and injury prevention. Even after retiring from full-time teaching, she continues to provide online athletic training instruction, medical presentation consulting, and expert witness consultation in sports medicine and athletic injury cases.
Dr. Grant-Ford’s legacy extends far beyond the classroom and clinic through her leadership within the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, where she contributed to educational standards, accreditation development, and professional advancement initiatives. Her accomplishments have earned numerous honors, including the Bill Chisholm Award, the Paul Grace Leadership Award, emeritus status from Montclair State University, and the establishment of both an endowed scholarship and a distinguished research award in her name. Known for her commitment to mentorship, lifelong learning, and patient safety, Dr. Grant-Ford continues to inspire future generations of athletic trainers and healthcare professionals through her groundbreaking achievements, advocacy, and enduring dedication to the profession.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marsha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the mentors who guided and supported me throughout my career, beginning with Lois Wagner at East Stroudsburg University, whose leadership showed me that women belonged in this profession. I was fortunate to learn from mentors such as Chad Starkey, Frank Walters, Mary Barb, and others who encouraged me to take on new opportunities, leadership roles, and challenges that helped shape my career. I’m equally grateful for the support of incredible mentees like Erica Zimmerman, whose encouragement and dedication have been truly inspiring. Above all, I hope my journey has helped make the path easier for other women entering the field.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came through the mentorship and support of leaders such as Lois Wagner, Chad Starkey, Frank Walters, Mary Barb, Bruno Klaus, Cheryl Klaus, Dawn Gulick, and Don Ford, who consistently encouraged me to step into opportunities even when they felt challenging or unfamiliar. Their guidance taught me to trust my abilities, remain open to growth, and embrace leadership opportunities, especially in a profession where minority women have historically been underrepresented.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the fields of athletic training and sports medicine to maintain high standards, work hard, and confidently advocate for themselves professionally. Success in this industry requires resilience, preparation, and a willingness to step into leadership opportunities, especially in environments where women may still be underrepresented. By staying committed to excellence and believing in their abilities, young women can continue to break barriers and create more opportunities for future generations.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in athletic training and sports medicine today is maintaining strong educational quality and clinical competency standards as the profession continues to evolve. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities for leadership development, greater integration within the broader healthcare system, and continued growth for women and minorities entering the profession. These advancements have the potential to strengthen the field while creating more inclusive pathways for future professionals.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are professionalism, accountability, excellence, mentorship, education, and lifelong learning. I believe in maintaining high standards while helping future generations of athletic trainers and healthcare professionals grow and succeed. I am also passionate about mentoring students and clinicians, supporting dancers and athletes through rehabilitation, contributing to athletic training and sports medicine scholarship, and preserving the integrity and continued advancement of athletic training education.
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