UTRGV Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Department keeps student athletes in the best shape

EDINBURG – From intense training sessions to game-day performances, UTRGV Athletes put their bodies through rigorous demand, when injuries strike, the sports medicine team is there to help.

The UTRGV Athletic Training Department consists of athletic trainers, physical therapist and medical professionals who work closely with student athletes by providing daily treatments, including strength condition and rehabilitation programs fit for each individual athlete.

Steven Kraus, associate athletic director for Sports Medicine, explained spoke about the heart of UTRGV Sports Medicine.

“Sports medicine is kind of the umbrella term for medical providers for athletes, you know, at this level especially for our university collegiate level, but it can be an umbrella for professional levels.” Kraus said. “… Basically, any active relation in sports.”

As UTRGV student athletes travel for games, so does the medical team.

Sophomore Guard J.J Howard shares how the sports medicine team provides student athletes a lot of help.

“Yeah 100%, we go there every day and night just to make sure our bodies are healthy,” Howard said. “So, we are always seeing Steve making sure we stay on the court.”

The Sports Medicine Team also educates student athletes on injury prevention, hydration and proper nutrition.

DK Thorn, a graduate student guard, says the team provides a lot of help. Thorn added he wouldn’t be able to work hard day to day without the support of the medical team.

“Yeah, they communicate with us a lot and they have us training to make us the healthiest and the best,” he said.

UTRGV continues to grow its athletic programs, the sports medicine team will continue to be a vital part of UTRGV success in making sure every student athlete is healthy, prepared and performing their best.