UTEP Sports Medicine Team Plays a Vital Role in Athlete Wellness

Behind the scenes of UTEP athletics, the sports medicine team works tirelessly to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all student-athletes.

Andrew Ure, Director of Sports Medicine, has led the department for three years and serves as the primary Athletic Trainer for the men’s basketball team.

“Whether they’re hurt in athletics and sprain their ankle at basketball practice, or I get a phone call at 11 o’clock at night saying, ‘Hey, I just accidentally kicked my wall and I can’t walk,’ all that funnels through us,” said Ure.

The team handles both physical and mental health concerns, with a volunteer sports psychologist available for performance-related issues.

“If it’s an acute case like a crisis, we are the crisis managers,” said Ure. “We’re the ones that are tracking a situation and then taking them directly to the people that can help them.”

The program relies heavily on student Athletic Trainers, who gain real-world experience across UTEP’s 17 NCAA teams.

“They’re crucial to what we do,” said Ure. “Without them, I don’t think we would run very smoothly.”

Kinesiology majors Natalie Chong and Alejandra Valdo, both inspired by personal injuries, are among the students thriving in the program.

“It’s rewarding to connect with athletes, especially when they have injuries similar to ones I went through,” said Chong.

While the time commitment is intense, both students agree it’s worth it.

“I was able to work with my preceptor…and he helped me build my confidence,” said Valdo.

At UTEP, sports medicine is more than just care—it’s connection, growth, and unwavering support. Read their full story here!