The Mississippi Athletic Trainers' Association (MATA) Hall of Fame Committee has inducted Charles "Mike" Williamson into the MATA Hall of Fame Class of 2023 for his extensive contributions to athletic training in Mississippi.
Mike Williamson has been an Athletic Trainer since 1985 and has practiced as a Physical Therapist since 1990. He is the Therapy Services Director for Covington County Hospital, Magee General Hospital, and Simpson General Hospital.
“Mike plays a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality therapy services are available to residents in our local communities,” said Gregg Gibbes, CEO of Covington County Hospital, Magee General Hospital, and Simpson General Hospital. “We are thrilled to have him on our team and could not be prouder of his accomplishments in the fields of athletic training and physical therapy.”
Mike also worked on the American Physical Therapy Association APTA-MATA joint task force to develop Athletic Training Licensure. Additionally, he served on the MATA Scholarship Committee.
"As a Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer, Mike has always worked as a liaison to make sure the best interest of Athletic Trainers was always at the forefront," said Gary Stroud, Sports Medicine Manager at Hattiesburg Clinic.
Williamson has also been included in two MATA Sports Medicine Persons of the Year awards with Hattiesburg Clinic Sports Medicine (2014) and the Mississippi High School Athletic Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (MHSAA SMAC) (2022). Throughout the years, he has worked and volunteered to help with many local and state advisory committees, including the MHSAA SMAC and the Lamar County and Hattiesburg High Allied Health Advisory Committee.
"Mike has been a leader by helping establish a new sports medicine program in Hattiesburg; he has provided area high schools with Athletic Trainers for their healthcare needs," said Pedro Moreno, Sports Medicine Coordinator with Encore Rehabilitation in Hattiesburg. "He has positively impacted the people of our state through his skills, knowledge, willingness to help others, and dedication to the MATA."