Physical Therapy Grads Go for Gold in Pro Sports Roles

Demanding days bring personal rewards for those who mend athletes

Physical therapist Brittani Cookinham-Freund ’11, DPT ’14 performed a therapeutic manipulation on a track and field athlete at the 2016 Rio Olympics before the runner headed out to a final race. About an hour later, she heard the strains of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and saw the American runner on the winner’s podium. 

“Seeing an athlete you just worked with go out and win the gold medal? Watching the American flag rise behind her? You think to yourself, ‘Was I part of that?’ It’s an awesome feeling,” said Freund, who makes time to volunteer for the Olympic and Paralympic games.

Freund recently presented at the Sixth International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport in Amsterdam. She has worked with EXOS (formerly Athletes Performance), the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, U.S. Figure Skating, U.S.A. Hockey and the WNBA. She also has a “day job” teaching the next generation of physical therapists as an assistant professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. “I love being part of the academic journey of these lifelong learners,” she said.  

Freund is just one of a growing number of graduates from SHU’s doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program who have gone on to demanding but exciting careers working with professional athletes. From Olympic runners and figure skaters to top players in Major League Baseball, the American Hockey League and Major League Soccer. SHU alumni are making sure world-class athletes are in peak performance condition. 

While the program isn’t specifically geared to athletics, Professor Jay Grimes said DPT grads receive solid grounding that serves them well in their careers. 

“We develop a strong foundation in orthopedics and clinical reasoning—with a focus on evidence-based musculoskeletal examination and treatment—and provide amazing clinical education opportunities in the sports environment for students who may express an interest in moving in that direction professionally,” he said.  

SHU’s Center for Healthcare Education houses the DPT program, taking full advantage of its state-of-the-art simulation and skills labs and a professional-grade athletic performance center. Using a problem-based curriculum that fosters engagement and interpersonal skills, the three-year program includes 38 weeks in full-time clinical education. 

The variety of those clinicals rotations often helps alumni get a foot in the door for coveted jobs in professional sports. Like Freund, Katie Davis ’17, DPT ’20 completed a rotation at EXOS, an athlete performance institute in Arizona. Her clinical instructor connected her with the American Hockey League, and she landed a job as assistant athletic trainer/physical therapist for the Utica Comets, which is the New Jersey Devils’ minor hockey team affiliate. 

“I work with the team every day, watching practices, working out rehab programs as needed and ensuring the players are feeling their best ,” said Davis, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from SHU. “I travel with the team to all games and ensure the guys are ready to play.”  

From minor league to majors

Frank Perez DPT ’11 has been a physical therapist for the San Francisco Giants since 2015. Based in Arizona, Perez started with minor league players before moving to the majors, covering spring training and working with injured players during the grueling 162-game season. 

“There’s always rehab going on,” he said.  

Having played baseball in high school, Perez said he understands first-hand the mechanics of the arm and shoulder injuries common in the sport, and he can play catch with the players he’s assisting. He also knows the long days required of him means time away from his wife and two daughters during the season. 

“It’s a very specific environment, and there’s a lot at stake,” he said of his work with top-flight athletes. “You’ve got to have the passion. I’m literally living my dream from that perspective, but there are sacrifices.” 

Perez earned his post, in part, because of his SHU connections: Tony Reale MA ’03 a physical therapist with the Giants, offers talented students like Perez an opportunity to gain clinical experience on the road. 

Mike Staropoli DPT ’12 and his wife, fellow SHU grad Whitney Russo ’09, DPT ’12 were building their business, Westport-based Goal Physiotherapy & Sports Performance, when he worked with some players for the New York Red Bulls soccer club. After a little networking, he found himself flying to Palm Springs, FL, to prep the team in the pre-season.  

“It wasn’t originally something that was on my radar,” he said of his professional sports gig. “But I enjoy building things–whether it was Legos as a kid, a business as an adult or a soccer team!” 

Now Russo covers much of the day-to-day work at the family business, while Staropoli leads pre- and post-game sessions and rehab for the team. He said his foundational training at SHU was so exemplary, he’s been quick to hire other SHU grads at Goal Physiotherapy. 

“There’s definitely a big difference in interviewees from Sacred Heart,” he said. “The problem-solving, the critical thinking are there.” 

Many DPT students who are interested in applying their skills in professional sports opt for an elective orthopedic course that includes invited speakers from sports settings, said Michelle Wormley, associate professor of physical therapy at SHU’s Center for Healthcare Education. The talks bolsters connections for students who are interested in that career path, she said. 

Visit the DPT webpage to learn more.

Pictured are alumni Brittani Cookinham-Freund and Frank Perez.