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Carly Shimp’s journey in Athletic Training has come full circle, taking her from a student at Glenwood Springs High School (GSHS) to her new role as the athletic trainer at Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) in Carbondale.
Inspired by her high school Athletic Trainer, Marni Barton, Shimp’s passion for the field began in a sports injury class during high school.
“I had always wanted to do something in the medical field, and after I took Marni’s class, I just fell in love with it."
After earning degrees in Athletic Training and Exercise Physiology from Grand Canyon University and the University of Northern Colorado, Shimp returned to the Roaring Fork Valley.
She is now part of the ValleyOrtho team, which provides sports medicine services to local high schools through Valley View Hospital’s orthopedic division. Shimp’s work extends beyond CRMS to community sports events, including Aspen Gentlemen rugby games and regional tournaments.
ValleyOrtho’s athletic training program has been serving the community for 26 years, ensuring that local schools, including Glenwood Springs, Roaring Fork, and Basalt High Schools, have access to certified Athletic Trainers. Ross Peterson, who launched the program, stated:
“It’s so important to the community that we don’t want cost to be an issue.”
The initiative covers all related expenses, from personnel to supplies, ensuring that schools and families can focus on their athletes’ health and safety.
Shimp’s role allows her to contribute to a variety of sports at CRMS, from soccer to mountain biking, while helping students recover from injuries.
“I really enjoy being at all the games and being around the athletic community.”
Get to know her better here!
