In the world of collegiate athletics, the most impactful figures are often those who operate far from the spotlight, working in the quiet intensity of the training room and on the sidelines. For the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas Tech University, that figure was Steve Hornor. To honor a career defined by service and a personality described as “larger than life,” the two institutions have announced they will UCA and ATU Volleyball Partner to Honor the Life of Steve Hornor during a joint event this spring.
The recognition will take place on Saturday, April 11, as the UCA Sugar Bears and the ATU Golden Suns meet for a spring volleyball scrimmage. The event, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. At the Prince Center in Conway, will serve as a public tribute to Hornor, who served as an athletic trainer at both universities. In a gesture of shared gratitude, UCA and ATU will present a commemorative plaque to Hornor’s family prior to the start of the match.
Hornor passed away on Nov. 2, 2025, at the age of 71. His passing leaves a void in the Arkansas athletic community, but his legacy is cemented in the championship banners and the recovered health of countless student-athletes across the “Natural State.” For those wishing to honor his memory through a contribution, the family has requested that donations be made to the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Association.
A Legacy of Care Across Two Campuses
Hornor’s influence in Arkansas was not limited to a single gym or a single program. He possessed a rare ability to bridge the gap between the technical demands of sports medicine and the emotional needs of the athletes under his care. His tenure was marked by a commitment to excellence that spanned nearly two decades across two different institutions.
At Arkansas Tech University, Hornor arrived in 1996 and spent nine years shaping the health and safety protocols of the athletic department. His era at ATU was punctuated by high-water marks in program success, including the Wonder Boys’ 1999 Gulf South Conference championship football team and the Golden Suns’ 1999 NCAA Division II women’s basketball team, which finished as national runners-up.
Abby Davis, the ATU director of athletics, remembered Hornor not just for his clinical skill, but for his humanity. “Steve had a personality that was larger than life,” Davis said. “He had the uncommon courage to let other people know he loved them, and the student-athletes at Arkansas Tech felt that and benefited from it.” Davis noted that the last time many at ATU saw Hornor was during the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony in October 2025, a memory she described as cherished.
Transitioning to the University of Central Arkansas, Hornor served on the athletic training staff from 2005 to 2020. During this window, he became a fixture for the men’s basketball program and the volleyball team. His tenure coincided with a golden era for UCA volleyball, as he was part of the staff for the Sugar Bears’ Southland Conference championship titles in 2009, and 2010. Beyond the sidelines, he was a cornerstone of the athletic training education program, mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.
The Human Element of Sports Medicine
Even as the records show championships and titles, those who worked alongside Hornor remember a man of unwavering optimism. In the high-stress environment of collegiate sports, where injuries can derail a student’s career and dreams, Hornor provided a steady, positive presence.
Matt Whiting, UCA director of athletics, reflected on Hornor’s temperament, stating, “I don’t know if Steve ever had a bad day in his life.” Whiting described Hornor as a “joy to be around” who maintained a great rapport with the programs under his care. “The love he had for his family and others was so evident,” Whiting added, expressing pride in the partnership between UCA and ATU to keep Hornor’s memory alive.
This blend of professional rigor and genuine affection earned Hornor recognition from his peers on a national and state level. His career began far from Arkansas, starting with the Washington Diplomats of the North American Soccer League and Yuba College in California after graduating from the University of Oregon. By the time he reached the twilight of his career, he had become one of the most decorated trainers in the region.
Career Milestones and Professional Honors
Hornor’s commitment to the field of athletic training was recognized through numerous prestigious awards, reflecting a career dedicated to the advancement of sports medicine.
| Year | Award/Honor | Issuing Organization | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year | National Athletic Training Association (NATA) | |
| 2012 | Doug Parker Recognition Award | Arkansas Athletic Trainers’ Association (AATA) | |
| 2015 | Hall of Fame Induction | Arkansas Athletic Trainers’ Association (AATA) | |
| 2024 | Lifetime Achievement Award | Arkansas Athletic Trainers’ Association (AATA) |
In addition to these, Hornor was a recipient of the NATA Service Award and earned inductions into both the Arkansas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame and the Yuba College Athletic Hall of Fame, marking a full-circle journey from his early days in California to his lasting impact in the Natural State.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The decision by UCA and ATU to partner for this tribute highlights a rare moment of collegiate synergy, where the shared legacy of a staff member transcends institutional rivalry. The spring scrimmage is not merely a preparation for the upcoming season, but a gathering of the community to acknowledge a man who spent his life ensuring others could compete at their best.
For the student-athletes, the event serves as a reminder that the support system behind the scenes—the trainers, the educators, and the mentors—is as vital to a championship run as the players on the court. The free and open admission to the Prince Center ensures that former athletes, colleagues, and the general public can participate in the recognition.
The upcoming scrimmage on April 11 stands as the next confirmed checkpoint in the community’s effort to honor Steve Hornor. The event will initiate at 3:30 p.m., with the plaque presentation serving as the centerpiece of the afternoon’s activities.
We invite you to share your memories of Steve Hornor or your thoughts on the importance of athletic training in collegiate sports in the comments below.
