Division faculty member Aimee Diaz has become the first Trojan to earn the prestigious award bestowed by the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. 

BY JAMIE WETHERBE MA ’04

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF CLINICAL PHYSICAL THERAPY Aimee Diaz has received the 2026 American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) Excellence in Education Award.

The award recognizes an individual each year who has made a significant impact in sports physical therapy education through excellence in academic teaching.

“I’m forever grateful for the people who supported and encouraged me along the way — this recognition reflects their guidance as much as my own efforts,” said Diaz, who serves as the director of the Sports Physical Therapy Fellowship in Division I Athletics and clinic director of USC Physical Therapy (UPC). “It’s also incredibly humbling to have been nominated by my colleagues at USC. This award is especially meaningful because it highlights the excellence in our post-professional programs and throughout our Division.”

Unmatched Excitement in Sports PT World

During her nearly 20-year tenure at USC, Diaz has led key initiatives across the Division, including establishing and helming the Sports PT Residency and the Sports Division I PT Fellowship programs.

“At the time, it was a unique opportunity for me — to maintain my patient care and to start in academia to develop a new program,” she said. “Division leadership has supported me and fostered my growth as a professional, as a clinician and as an educator. They’ve given me the freedom to try new ideas, which have turned into big opportunities.”

A nationally recognized leader in sports physical therapy, Diaz has extensive experience treating a range of athletes — from Division I to extreme sport competitors with sports-related conditions, from orthopedic disorders to post-surgical rehabilitation.

Diaz completed her bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science at the University of Florida, before earning both a master’s degree and a doctorate in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University.

“I’m an athletic trainer and was an athletic trainer first, so when I went to physical therapy school, I knew that sports physical therapy was for me,” Diaz said. “I enjoy working with athletes to get them back to doing the sport they love — plus, the excitement of standing in the tunnel getting ready to take the field with a team is truly unmatched.”

Lifelong Commitment to Excellence

During her nearly 30-year career, Diaz has continued to expand her scope, specializing in the care of female athletes and women’s health-related conditions, including those involving the pelvic floor.

“Aimee has been a driving force in expanding access to services to diverse athletic populations, which reflects her lifelong commitment to clinical and academic excellence,” said Director of USC’s Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program Jesse Grullon DPT ’20. “This is yet another reflection of her lifelong commitment to clinical and academic excellence.”

Diaz is equally high-achieving in her other roles as educator, researcher and clinic director. “Dr. Diaz is a triple threat,” said Division Interim Associate Dean and Chair Lori Michener, referring to Diaz’ broad expertise across these roles. “She serves as the Division’s primary leader in sports physical therapy, known for her expertise and interpersonal strengths that transform vision into practice.”

Among her many accomplishments, Diaz considers the programs she developed at USC — and their impact in shaping the next generation of sports physical therapy professionals — among her greatest achievements.

“Our graduates are doing fantastic things, working in collegiate and professional sports,” Diaz said. “Their accomplishments are beyond exceptional, and they represent USC and the residency and fellowship programs with honor.”