WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals is partnering with Boone County's Van High School to provide athletic training services for the school’s football program during the 2026 season.
Athletic trainers from WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals will provide coverage for Van football practices and games, supporting injury prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation for student-athletes, according to a press release.
The partnership comes after Van High School worked to secure athletic training coverage ahead of the upcoming season. Lesleigh Barber-Thompson, PT, and Daniel Hepner, PT, ATC, recently visited the school to complete preseason baseline concussion screenings for the football team.
“We are proud to support Van High School and its student athletes by providing access to athletic training services,” Greg Rosencrance, M.D., president and CEO of WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, said. “Athletic trainers play an important role in keeping student-athletes healthy and helping them safely participate in the sports they love.”
Jill Daniels, PT, director of rehabilitation at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, led the effort to coordinate athletic training support for the football program.
“Jill’s leadership and commitment to finding a solution for these student athletes is a great example of the way our team works to support the communities we serve,” Rosencrance said.
Van head football coach Mark Agosti said the lack of an athletic trainer had created uncertainty for the program as it prepared to return to the field. The Bulldogs did not field a team during the 2025-26 school year because of insufficient player numbers.
Agosti said the team faced a similar shortage two years ago and traveled to Scott to practice until athletic training coverage was secured.
“To see Thomas Hospitals step up so these kids can have a season is huge,” Agosti said. “Our community, kids and school are extremely grateful for their willingness to help when we couldn’t find a solution locally. Thomas Hospitals has definitely made a difference in our community that we won’t soon forget.”
Athletic trainers work with athletes, coaches, parents and medical providers to help prevent and manage sports-related injuries. Their services can include injury prevention and education, immediate injury assessment, treatment and rehabilitation, concussion management and guidance on a safe return to play.
Van High School football program's 2026 season begins Friday, Aug. 28, with a home opener against Greater Beckley Christian at Herschel Jarrell Field in Van.
