03/02/2026
As head athletic trainer for Carolina Core FC and an athletic trainer with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Ethan begins most mornings before sunrise, preparing players for the demands of training and recovery. “We get to the performance facility around 7:30 a.m. to set up for injury follow‑ups and make sure everyone has time to complete their wellness plans,” he said. Each morning, he meets with staff to review player availability, wellness, workloads and that day’s session plan, making decisions collaboratively to support the team’s goals.
On the field, Ethan monitors athletes closely while helping execute return‑to‑sport plans. Before and after training, players cycle through optimized recovery routines, from whirlpools to red‑light therapy. Throughout the week, he uses monitoring systems such as GPS load tracking, wellness questionnaires, strength testing and thermal imaging to spot risk factors and guide informed conversations with players and coaches. “As an organization, we want to make the best decision possible for the team,” he said.
After 14 years in the profession, Ethan said his motivation has evolved. “It came down to serving an entire organization,” he said. “Being aligned with stakeholders who have the same mission and contribute to positive culture is what drives success.” The most rewarding part, he added, is being a trusted member of the performance team. “When medical insight and performance data are aligned, we’re able to make better decisions that directly impact performance on the field.”
His approach to care is simple and evidence‑driven. “Athlete care needs to be collaborative and data‑driven. I tell students and providers, ‘If you’re not testing, you’re guessing.’”
Ethan’s dedication embodies the heart of athletic training—care that extends far beyond the sidelines. Discover how Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist athletic trainers strengthen the health of our community: https://bit.ly/3Z2u0zq
