Gaye Merrill
Brigham Young University 2014

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Gaye Merrill was inducted posthumously following a battle with cancer and her passing in 2010. Merrill was an Athletic Trainer at Brigham Young University for nearly 30 years. During that time Ms. Merrill served in the capacities of Assistant Athletic Trainer, Director of the Athletic Training Education Program and for her final 6 years, the Director of Sports Medicine. Merrill was professionally involved and recognized for her efforts receiving the National Athletic Trainers Association Service Award in 2004, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award in 2009 and the Utah Athletic Trainers’ Association Collegiate Athletic Trainer Award in 2001. Shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, the women’s volleyball team showed their support for Merrill by wearing a pink bracelet for the season with the phrase “Be Tough” printed on it. In response to the gesture Merrill commented, “I was very touched. It’s humbling because you want to be a good role model and a good influence on the people you work with. I hope I have been able to be that for them.”