Carmel Clay Schools selects Riverview Health & Parkview Sports Medicine to support student-athletes across the district

Carmel Clay Schools (CCS) has selected Riverview Health and Parkview Sports Medicine (PSM) to provide athletic training, strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, and peak performance services for student-athletes at Carmel High School and the district’s three middle schools.

The partnership will support roughly 3,000 student athletes across CCS. Home to one of Indiana’s largest and most accomplished athletic programs, CCS has a longstanding tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics. The partnership brings together healthcare and performance specialists to support student-athletes throughout their athletic experience, from injury prevention and treatment to strength development, nutrition, and mental performance.

“Our student-athletes dedicate countless hours to their sports, and they deserve access to resources that help them succeed both on and off the field,” said Jim Inskeep, Director of Athletics at Carmel High School. “Having these resources embedded within our schools gives students access to support throughout the year. We’re excited about the positive impact it will have across our athletic programs.”

As part of the partnership, Riverview Health will provide seven full-time certified athletic trainers, including four at Carmel High School and one at each of the district’s three middle schools. PSM will provide a full-time certified strength and conditioning specialist at Carmel High School, along with access to a sports dietitian and peak performance coach.

“Supporting student-athletes requires more than coverage on the sidelines,” said Julie Nix, Riverview Health CEO. “Having athletic trainers in our schools allows us to build relationships with students, coaches and families long before an injury occurs. When you’re part of the school community, you get to know the athletes, understand their goals and are better able to support them throughout the ups and downs of their athletic journey.”

Athletic trainers are certified and licensed healthcare professionals who provide preventive care, injury management, rehabilitation support and emergency medical coverage for student-athletes. They will be present at home athletic events, practices and other activities as needed.

The full-time strength and conditioning specialist will support students in weightlifting classes during the school day and work with athletes on performance training and injury prevention outside of class.

“The best sports medicine care starts long before an athlete ever steps into a clinic,” said Dr. Robert Klitzman, orthopedic surgeon and team physician with Parkview Sports Medicine. “When athletic trainers, physicians and performance specialists are working together, athletes benefit from a level of coordination that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else. We’re excited to bring that level of specialized support to the Greyhounds and be part of helping Carmel student-athletes stay healthy and perform at their best.”

In addition to athletic training and strength development, student-athletes will have access to sports nutrition and mental performance resources through PSM. The sports dietitian will provide education and consultations focused on hydration, fueling, recovery and healthy nutrition habits. The peak performance coach will support athletes in developing mental skills that can help them navigate competition, injury, and other challenges throughout their athletic journey.

“We’re honored to partner with Riverview Health and Carmel Clay Schools to support student-athletes across the district,” said Tommy Schoegler, vice president of Parkview Health’s orthopedic service line, which includes PSM. “This partnership allows us to bring specialized resources directly to students and complement the strong foundation already in place at Carmel. We’re excited to help athletes continue developing, staying healthy and pursuing their goals.”

Together, Riverview Health and PSM offer advanced care close to home when athletes need it. From world-class orthopedic surgeons to the latest in robotic technology, this partnership aims to ensure athletes are back in action as soon as possible.