TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State has entered into an agreement with Union Health Sports Medicine (USM) to serve as the official health care provider for Sycamore Athletics in an exclusive partnership.
As a part of the five-year agreement, USM will provide Indiana State University athletes with access to orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and fellowship-trained and board-certified sports medicine physicians.
"We are excited to build upon our partnership with Union Health," Indiana State Director of Athletics Nathan Christensen said. "Our alignment with Union Health leadership team is evident and their focus on building their Sports Medicine Team is going to benefit all our Sycamore student-athletes. Dr. Lakai Enterline has a very strong background in sports orthopedics and will be a huge asset to our programs and department moving forward. I am excited for what is to come, not only for our campus, but our community."
USM provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine care for the Wabash Valley athletes. They are the largest provider of sports medicine in the Wabash Valley. Their team provides an effective approach to get athletes back in the game as quickly as possible.
"For many years, Union Health and Indiana State University have partnered to enhance health care and education in our community," stated Dr. Lakai Enterline, Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon, and Team Physician of Indiana State University Athletics. "Today marks a milestone, which will enhance the future of athletics and sports performance for athletes across the entire Wabash Valley. We are proud to announce Union Health Sports Medicine (USM) as the official sports medicine provider for Indiana State University Athletics. This collaboration begins a new era for both USM and Indiana State —bringing elite, comprehensive sports medicine services to Terre Haute. Our team is committed to delivering the highest standard of care to all student-athletes, right here at home."
The USM team are the area's only sports medicine fellowship-trained surgeons with their primary care physicians also sports medicine fellowship-trained. The USM athletic trainers have graduated from nationally recognized athletic training programs.
With the agreement, USM will continue to provide both orthopedic surgeon and primary care sports medicine at all Indiana State football games (home and away), as well as home coverage of Indiana State men's and women's basketball, women's soccer, volleyball, men's and women's cross country, and men's and women's track & field events. The core team will also be available for select road travel and postseason coverage.
"Indiana State University is proud to continue enhancing our partnership with Union Health through this important collaboration with Union Health Sports Medicine," said Dr. Mike Godard, Indiana State University President. "At Indiana State, we are committed to the success and well-being of our student-athletes, not just in competition, but in their total development as individuals. This agreement reflects that mission, ensuring that our Sycamores receive the highest standard of care from trusted professionals right here in the Wabash Valley. We are excited about what this expanded relationship means for the future of our athletics programs, and for the continued strength of our connection to the local community."
The USM team will also have weekly ortho training room and weekly primary care sports medicine coverage while working with the Indiana State Athletic Training staff.
"For 160 years, Indiana State University has been a cornerstone for high-quality education in the Wabash Valley," said Steve Holman, President and CEO of Union Health. "We are honored to be part of such a high-level institution that is committed to transforming the lives of students and its community by being bold and innovative. This latest collaboration allows Union Health Sports Medicine to provide enhanced athletic health care services to student-athletes at Indiana State, while contributing to the overall health of our community."
Details from the agreement also include signage and prominent advertising placements at Indiana State athletic venues, a USM page on the Indiana State athletic website, GoSycamores.com, as well as guest appearances by Indiana State coaches on both the Union Health Today (video) and Radio Union (radio) shows.