Glencoe Regional Health becomes official sports medicine partner for GSL athletics

By DEREK TELLIER
Editor
Glencoe Regional Health (GRH) has been named the official athletic training and sports medicine provider for Glencoe-Silver Lake (GSL) Public Schools, launching a partnership aimed at enhancing care, safety, and wellness for the district’s student-athletes.
“Being named the official athletic training and sports medicine provider for GSL is a tremendous honor for Glencoe Regional Health,” said Clark Christianson, PT, ScD, COMT, director of rehabilitation services. “It reflects years of preparation and our deep commitment to supporting local youth, promoting health and wellness, and serving as a trusted healthcare partner in our community. This partnership gives us the opportunity to directly support student-athletes by helping them stay healthy, safe, and ready to compete.”
Under the agreement, GRH will provide on-site athletic training coverage at games and practices, injury evaluation and treatment, injury prevention guidance, and coordination of follow-up care. The services include everything from first aid and emergency response to concussion assessment and connection to GRH’s wider network of rehabilitation, imaging, and medical specialists.
A personal mission for athletic trainer Hailey Phelps
Hailey Phelps, MAT, LAT, ATC, who now serves as GSL’s on-site athletic trainer, said her own experiences shaped her passion for the role.
“I chose athletic training specifically because of my own experience growing up in sports without access to an athletic trainer; an absence that highlighted the critical need for this role in supporting young athletes,” Phelps said. “Now, I’m excited to give back by being that resource for student-athletes. My goal is to ensure they have the support, care, and guidance I didn’t have – so they can stay healthy, confident, and focused on doing what they love.”
Phelps described her approach as proactive, with a focus on injury prevention and open communication.
“I’m focused on injury prevention, ensuring athletes are using proper techniques, and providing immediate care when needed. I also emphasize communication, so athletes, coaches, and parents feel confident and informed,” she said.
A natural fit for GSL
For GSL, the decision to partner with GRH came down to community connection and quality of care. The school district chose GRH for their local presence and outstanding reputation. Their ability to provide consistent and high-quality care, combined with the convenience of integrated services, made them GSL’s ideal partner.
Dean Schwirtz, GSL athletic director, noted how the partnership is already making a difference for coaches and teams.
“This collaboration really lifts a burden off our coaching staff when it comes to injury management,” Schwirtz said. “Our coaches can stay focused on training and game strategy, knowing there’s a qualified healthcare professional on-site to handle injuries. It also improves communication between coaches, trainers, and parents, which makes our entire athletic program more coordinated and efficient.”
Promoting community wellness
Stephanie Beste, GRH Business Development Program manager, says the partnership aligns with GRH’s broader mission of improving public health and addressing key concerns in McLeod County. According to the organization’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), obesity, diabetes, and mental health challenges are among the top issues facing the region.
By embedding a trained healthcare professional within GSL’s athletic programs, GRH hopes to encourage more student participation in sports, foster lifelong wellness habits, and provide a trusted presence for students and families alike.
“This is a natural extension of our community-focused mission,” said Beste. “We believe that investing in youth health sets the stage for lifelong wellness.”
Looking forward
The partnership is intended as a long-term agreement. GRH and GSL are already exploring possibilities for future collaboration, including educational workshops, injury prevention programs, and expanded physical and wellness services for students.
Students and families will benefit from the added support, school officials noted, with on-site access to high-quality care, clear communication, and a stronger culture of health and safety.
“It’s a partnership that supports not only athletic performance,” Beste said, “but also academic success and long-term well-being.”