September 21–27, 2025 | Eighth Annual Celebration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann Kitt-Carpenetti
Executive Director, Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA)
ann@equipmentmanagers.org 443-686-0549
Athletic Equipment Managers Honored Nationwide During Annual Appreciation Week
September 21–27, 2025 | Eighth Annual Celebration
The many contributions of athletic equipment managers and the vital role they play in ensuring
the safety and performance of over 8.5 million athletes at the high school, collegiate, and
professional levels will be recognized nationwide during Athletic Equipment Managers
Appreciation Week, September 21–27, 2025.
Launched in 2018, this annual tradition shines a spotlight on the dedicated professionals who
work behind the scenes to maintain, fit, and manage athletic equipment — a cornerstone of
athlete safety and team success.
“Athletic equipment managers are the unsung guardians of sports. They make sure every helmet
fits, every pad is safe, and every athlete can perform with confidence. Their expertise directly
impacts athlete safety and team success, yet their work is rarely in the spotlight. Appreciation
Week is our chance to say loudly and clearly: these professionals are essential to every level of
athletics, from high schools to the pros.” said Ann Kitt-Carpenetti, Executive Director of the
Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA).
Throughout the week, coaches, athletes, and athletic administrators across the country will take
time to acknowledge the tireless work of equipment managers. AEMA will share stories,
recognition posts, and highlights on our website at AEMA Website – Equipment Managers
Appreciation Week, Instagram (@aema_74), LinkedIn – Athletic Equipment Managers
Association, and X/Twitter (@AEMA_74) under the hashtag #EQWeek2025.
About the AEMA
The Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) is the premier professional
membership and certification organization for athletic equipment managers across high school,
collegiate, and professional sports. For over 50 years, AEMA has advanced the profession by
providing equipment managers with essential education, certification, career development, and
networking opportunities. Members benefit from monthly e-newsletters, professional awards,
regional and national meetings, continuing education and certification programs, a job board, and
the annual AEMA National Convention. Today, AEMA represents a global network of more
than 1,600 equipment managers dedicated to athlete safety and excellence in sports. ###