Jessie Giordano is the 2026 recipient of the The Bill Cox Award, given out only once annually across the state

By Grace Pearson, Editor-in-Chief

March 6, 2025 

SANFORD, Maine – On Monday, March 5, Jessie Giordano, the Athletic Trainer (ATC) at Sanford High School, received the Bill Cox Award. This award is given out only once a year to an athletic trainer in Maine who has “enhanced athletic health care and made significant contributions to the professional development and advancement of the Athletic Training profession,” according to the Maine Athlete Trainers’ Association. 

Giordano has been a certified athletic trainer for 16 years, all of which have occurred here at Sanford High School.

“It is a huge honor to receive this award, having been nominated by my peers and athletic administrators in the state,” said Giordano. “It means a lot to be recognized for some of the projects I have been apart of to help increase the safety of our athletes.”

To be eligible for this award, athletic trainers must meet the following criteria: They are a Certified Athletic Trainer or other health care provider within the sports medicine field, they maintain the highest level of professional service, inspire others and have created a better environment for their community. 

“Jess is an incredible athletic trainer that Sanford High School is beyond fortunate to have,” said Zachary Lemelin, SHS Athletic Director. “The knowledge she possesses and the care she provides to our student-athletes is incredible. She creates an environment in the AT room that allows students to be open and honest, which allows her to connect with them to provide the best possible care for them. The Sanford High School Athletic Department would look entirely different without her.”

Giordano works with several of the high school’s sports teams to train the athletes. 

“I love being able to work with athletes and provide them with the tools and knowledge to make them healthier and stronger” she said. “I enjoy being able to give them my support both in my office and on the sideline watching them participate in a sport they love.”

Giordano notes that the most difficult part of her job is having to tell athletes bad news in regards to injuries, and watching them go through the grief process that comes with a potential season-ending injury.

“Jessie Giordano is absolutely amazing at her job,” said girl’s basketball coach, Rossie Lontine-Kearson. “She is very thorough and attentive to my players and whatever their needs might be. She goes above and beyond to help our athletes perform at their best while doing her best to keep them from injuries. She’s very easy to talk to and does a great job in building rapport with the athletes.”

Bill Cox worked in Waterville, Maine as a Certified Athletic Trainer. Cox created a scholarship for athletes in Central Maine and earned the respect of many different people throughout his career. 

Cox was very supportive of the athletes he worked with. “He never worked just the contract; he bled purple,” said the Maine Athletic Trainers’ Association. “He was always available for them, and went to as many physician appointments as possible with them. He cared about those kids more than most would ever think of doing.” 

Kearson added, “I feel the best part about Jessie is that she truly enjoys her job and performs it at the highest level. I couldn’t see going through a season without her.”

March is National Athletic Trainers Month! Since 1950, Athletic Trainers have been at the forefront of healthcare, recovery, and wellness.