By definition a trailblazer is simply a “leader or pioneer in a particular field.” If you’ve studied the history of physical education you’ll be familiar with many of our original trailblazers. These professionals, who broke away from the European influences and created the American system of Physical Education included W.G. Anderson, J.B. Nash, Edward Hitchcock, Clark Hetherington, Luther H. Gulick and the authors of “The New Physical Education,” Thomas Wood and Rosiland Cassidy. This book reshaped Physical Education in 1927 and changed the profession from a medical orientation to a comprehensive, educational approach. These first Physical Education trailblazers pursued different paths and redirected the field to help meet the ever-changing societal demands of their time in history.

Interestingly, during the evolution of a trailblazer’s work these individuals are often criticized, overlooked, or ridiculed for their different perspectives or theories. A real trailblazer, however, possesses a special sense of conviction and purpose and the ability to persevere even when others have doubted their passion for change and innovation.

Over the past fifty years, six professionals have made unique contributions to the field of Physical Education. They’ve offered us educational alternatives, curriculum models, and impacted legislation to help shape our profession. Many other leaders, scholars and activists followed and helped add to and perpetuate our profession – but these six professionals seem to stand out as trailblazers, helping to carve out a new direction for a New Physical Education. Many younger professionals may not be aware of their impact on our field or how they paved the way for the future. So, read more about the contemporary trailblazers of Physical Education.