Dr Mario Ciocca, director of sports medicine received the C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award. Eight Carolina employees will receive the 2021 C. Knox Massey for Distinguished Service, one of the most prestigious distinctions for professors and staff. Established in 1980 by the late C. Knox Massey ’25 of Durham, the award recognizes “unusual, meritorious or superior contributions” by University employees. Given the exceptional year dedicated to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the University is awarding eight awards, instead of the usual six.

Dr Ciocca, who has worked at Carolina for 22 years, is the chief medical officer of Carolina’s 28 varsity sports teams, overseeing one of the nation’s most respected sports medicine departments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ciocca led efforts that allowed 800 student-athletes to stay safe and continue to compete. He provided a certain normalcy while modeling professionalism and care with poise, personal attention, accessibility and relentless energy. He has demonstrated incredible leadership, a tremendous work ethic and consistently demonstrated calm, composed and supportive demeanor in very stressful scenarios, while gaining a high level of trust and respect for the community. part of those who work with him.

Discover the eight recipients of the VS. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award here: the Well.

-A C-