Asheville, NC, August 24, 2025
News Summary
UNC Asheville has renewed its partnership with Mission Sports Medicine to enhance athletic training and sports medicine services for student-athletes. Initially established in 2017, this collaboration has proven vital in improving care and outcomes for athletes. With specialized injury management and rehabilitation services, the partnership underscores the importance of athlete health and safety, fostering a supportive environment for all participants in UNC Asheville’s sports programs.
UNC Asheville Renews Partnership with Mission Sports Medicine for Enhanced Athlete Care
Asheville, NC – On August 22, 2025, UNC Asheville Director of Athletics, Janet R. Cone, announced the renewal of the athletic department’s partnership with Mission Sports Medicine/HCA Healthcare. This collaboration aims to provide optimal athletic training and sports medicine services to student-athletes at UNC Asheville.
The partnership, which originally began in 2017, has been noted for its significant contribution to improving the quality of care, patient outcomes, and the overall experience of athletes participating in UNC Asheville’s sports programs. Cone highlighted the unmatched care provided by the Mission Sports Medicine Team as a critical factor in the decision to renew the partnership.
Mission Sports Medicine specializes in injury evaluation, management, and rehabilitation tailored specifically for athletes. Through this partnership, UNC Asheville’s athletic facilities, including the Wilma M. Sherrill Center and Kimmel Arena, will feature branding indicative of the collaboration, further solidifying the ties between the university’s sports programs and Mission Health.
Enhanced Athlete Support
The renewal of this partnership is expected to augment the resources available to student-athletes, ensuring they receive state-of-the-art medical attention when needed. In addition to on-site training and care, Mission Health has made substantial contributions outside the university, including co-hosting the Big South Conference Sports Medicine Symposium and serving as the official sponsor of all Bulldog youth summer camps.
Greg Lowe, CEO of Mission Health and Mission Hospital, expressed pride in this extended partnership. Both organizations share a commitment to providing high-quality sports medicine care and prioritize the safety and long-term well-being of every athlete competing for the Bulldogs.
Context of the Partnership
The collaboration between UNC Asheville and Mission Health reflects a broader trend in collegiate athletics, where the welfare and health of student-athletes are prioritized. By ensuring they have access to specialized care and rehabilitation services, universities can facilitate better recovery and performance levels among their athletes. The ongoing partnership not only enhances the athletes’ physical well-being but also contributes to the development of a supportive sports environment at the university.
The decision to renew the partnership aligns with the growing focus on athlete safety and well-being in sports, emphasizing that preventive care and timely treatment can significantly impact athletic performance and overall health.
Conclusion
The renewal of the partnership between UNC Asheville and Mission Sports Medicine marks an important milestone for the university’s commitment to its student-athletes. By leveraging the expertise of Mission Health, UNC Asheville aims to elevate the competitive edge of its athletic programs while prioritizing the health and safety of its athletes.
FAQ
What does the partnership renewal entail?
The renewed partnership focuses on providing enhanced athletic training and sports medicine services to UNC Asheville’s student-athletes, ensuring they receive top-level care for injuries and rehabilitation.
How long has the partnership been in place?
Mission Health began its partnership with UNC Asheville in 2017, and it was renewed in August 2025.
What services does Mission Sports Medicine provide?
They specialize in injury evaluation, management, and rehabilitation specifically designed for athletes, enhancing both recovery times and performance levels.
Why is this partnership important for UNC Asheville?
The partnership enhances the overall health, safety, and well-being of student-athletes, providing them with critical medical care that supports their athletic careers.
Key Features of the Partnership
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Specialized Services | Injury evaluation, management, and rehabilitation for athletes. |
| Collaboration Duration | Partnership began in 2017 and renewed in 2025. |
| Facilities Branding | Branding throughout athletic facilities including the Wilma M. Sherrill Center and Kimmel Arena. |
| Community Support | Mission Health sponsors Bulldog youth summer camps and co-hosts sports medicine symposiums. |
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Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Extends Partnership with Mission Sports Medicine
- Google Search: UNC Asheville Mission Sports Medicine
- UNC Asheville Statement on NCAA Settlement
- Wikipedia: National Collegiate Athletic Association
- Medical Professionals Deploy to Asheville
- Britannica: Sports Medicine
- Kelly Smithwick Profile – UNC Asheville
- Google News: Asheville Mission Hospital
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
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