KOC Sports Medicine Leader Earns Tiaaa Distinguished Service Award
Apr 27, 2026

Scott Byrd, director of sports medicine outreach for Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic, is awarded the 2026 East Tennessee Distinguished Service Award from the Tennessee Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association for his service and dedication to athletic programs. Kelly Fish, a TIAAA board member, presented Byrd with the honor at the Tennessee Athletic Directors Conference in Knoxville on April 12, 2026. Image courtesy of Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic

Scott Byrd, director of sports medicine outreach for Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic (KOC), has earned the 2026 East Tennessee Distinguished Service Award from the Tennessee Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (TIAAA) for his service and dedication to athletic programs.

TIAAA officials cited Byrd’s commitment to educational-based athletics, professional development and the community.

“Scott’s tireless efforts in pursuing professional development, increasing organizational growth and leading on the state and national levels have not gone unnoticed by the TIAAA or by his peers,” said Benji Gray, awards chair for the TIAAA. “This is a well-deserved acknowledgement for Mr. Scott Byrd because of exceptional leadership.”

Byrd received the award during the Tennessee Athletic Directors Conference in Knoxville on April 12.

“Athletic administrators see firsthand the effort that goes into building a top-notch sports medicine program,” Byrd said. “Winning this award is a tremendous honor and reflects KOC’s commitment to sports medicine. My main takeaway is to never stop loving your job. It’s all for the student-athletes.”

The association bestows the honor each year to an individual or organization in Tennessee who has served interscholastic athletics in an exemplary way.

“We congratulate Scott on this well-earned distinction,” said Dr. Matthew Rappé, a KOC sports medicine surgeon. “Scott has made significant contributions to sports medicine outreach in East Tennessee and has worked diligently to place KOC athletic trainers in high schools all across our region. We are thrilled to see his efforts recognized.”

KOC’s sports medicine outreach includes a longstanding commitment to serving athletes at every level, with KOC athletic trainers and physicians serving area high school teams as well as post-secondary institutions, including the University of Tennessee, Carson-Newman University, Maryville College, Lincoln Memorial University and Johnson University. KOC providers also support professional teams including the Knoxville Smokies, One Knoxville SC and the Knoxville Ice Bears.

For more information about preparticipation physical evaluations and other sports medicine outreach efforts, visit kocortho.com.