Glencoe Regional Health (GRH) and Glencoe-Silver Lake (GSL) Public Schools have joined forces to bring a new level of sports
medicine care to student-athletes.
This partnership ensures that students not only have support at practices and games, but also a trusted first point of contact for injuries and questions. It reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to keeping young athletes safe, healthy, and performing at their best.
At the center of the program is athletic trainer, Hailey Phelps, MAT, LAT, ATC, who spends most of her time at the school. Whether it’s a sprained ankle at practice or a question about recovery, students know they can come to her first. She provides immediate care and guidance, and when needed, works hand-in-hand with other providers to connect athletes to specialized treatment.
“My role is about more than treating injuries. I focus on preventing problems, providing care when problems do happen, and guiding athletes safely back to their sport,” said Hailey. “What excites me most about this partnership is building relationships with the athletes and supporting them both on and off the field. I want them to understand that their health matters not just for high school sports, but for everything they’ll do in the future.”
Hailey works closely with GSL coaches to monitor practices, ensure field and weather conditions are safe for activity, and provide updates on athlete’s injuries and return-to-play timelines. When an athlete returns after an injury, Hailey also provides athletes and coaches with modification recommendations, to ensure they continue healing and don’t re-stress an injury.
“I keep an open door policy so athletes feel comfortable reporting any minor injuries early on, which prevents existing injuries from worsening,” said Hailey. “I also educate athletes on proper techniques, nutrition tips, and recovery guidance.”
Hailey provides coverage at practices and games, giving immediate trained access to evaluate injuries, provide first aid care, and assist in emergency response. This on-site presence ensures injuries are treated as soon as possible, keeping student-athletes safe and healthy.
“Being named the official athletic training and sports medicine provider for GSL is a tremendous honor for Glencoe Regional
Health,” said Director of Rehabilitation Services Clark Christianson, PT, ScD, COMT. “It reflects years of preparation and our commitment to supporting local youth, promoting health and wellness, and serving as a trusted healthcare partner in our community. This partnership gives us the chance to directly support student-athletes by helping them stay healthy, safe, and ready
to compete.”
For coaches, having a dedicated athletic trainer on-site gives peace of mind. They can focus on training and strategy, knowing injuries are being handled by a trained professional. For students, it means having someone to turn to every day, not just when an injury occurs, but whenever guidance, reassurance, or help with recovery is needed.
“This collaboration really lifts a burden off our coaching staff when it comes to injury management,” said Dean Schwirtz, Glencoe-Silver Lake Athletic Director. “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.”
It’s a partnership that supports not only athletic performance, but also academic success and long-term health and wellness of the community we both serve – a winning combination.
As an athletic trainer, Hailey offers a full range of services including:
- Injury and illness prevention
- Emergency response and concussion management, including ImPACT testing
- Therapeutic rehabilitation
- Referrals for continued care at Glencoe Regional Health
Comprehensive services supported by our expert sports medicine providers include:
- Sports-focused physical therapy
- Orthopedics
- Occupational therapy
- Podiatry
- Pain management
- Concussion recovery
- Urgent Care services with evening hours and our Emergency Room never closes
- Primary and family care for long-term health
Learn more about our sports medicine program by clicking here.
