MCPS Athletics is excited to launch an enhanced sports medicine program for the 2023-24 school year. Included in the program are full-time, 12-month certified athletic trainers in each high school and a partnership with MedStar Health. 

Athletic trainers have been hired and have started working in all 25 MCPS high schools. A coordinator of health and safety, Mr. Shawn Hendi, has also been hired. Athletic trainers, now MCPS employees, will provide streamlined and enhanced care for student-athletes and across the program. 

Fall heat acclimatization protocols, including AEDs, will be on display, as Aug. 9 is the first day of fall sports practices and tryouts. 

MedStar Health is the region’s largest sports medicine provider and provides services to professional, college and community teams across the region. MCPS is the first school district in the state of Maryland to partner with MedStar to provide an innovative delivery model for sports medicine.

WHAT: Local media are invited to a “Media Day” on the first day of fall sports practice and tryouts to learn about the enhanced sports medicine program and how MCPS is ensuring student athlete safety. 

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, 9:30 a.m. 

WHERE: Northwest High School, 13501 Richter Farm Rd, Germantown, MD 20874

WHO: 

MCPS Participants:

• Dr. Patricia Kapunan, MCPS Chief Medical Officer
• Mr. Damon Monteleone, Associate Superintendent
• Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan, Director, Systemwide Athletics
• Mr. Shawn Hendi, Health and Safety Coordinator, Systemwide Athletics
• Mr. Scott Smith, Principal, Northwest High School
• Ms. Jody Tyler, Athletics Specialist, Northwest High School
• Ms. Victoria Simonetti, Athletic Trainer, Northwest High School

MedStar Health Participants:

• Ms. Katie Brodka, Manager of Athletic Training Services
• Dr. Wiemi Douoguih, Orthopedic Surgeon
• Dr. Kori Hudson, Sports and Emergency Medicine
• Mr. Sean Huffman, Vice President of Sports Medicine

Members of the media are asked to contact Aisha Mbowe at Isatou_Mbowe@mcpsmd.org to RSVP.