When you think of Friday night lights in Williamson County, what comes to mind? High school football stadiums, student-athletes on the field and along the sidelines, and stadium seats filled with the noise of cheering family and friends. But what you likely don’t think about—and may not even notice most of the time—are the athletic trainers present on the sidelines, keeping a watchful eye on both the game and the student-athletes. On the off-chance that you do notice the trainers, you likely have never thought about “how” that happens—not just for football, but for every sport in between, ranging from football to cross country and basketball to lacrosse. 

Thanks to a collaboration between Williamson Health and Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, dedicated athletic trainers provide care for student-athletes throughout participating Williamson County schools. These athletic trainers are present on campus for all practices and home games, covering twenty-three TSSAA varsity sports. Services provided as part of this program include prevention, rehabilitation, and everything in between. This year, Williamson Health and Bone and Joint Institute athletic trainers will cover more than 2,500 home games across nine high schools in the county.

“We are honored to be able to give back to our young athletes through our athletic training program thanks to gracious contributions from our local supporters,” said Jay Moore, ATC, Director of Athletic Training for Williamson Health and Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee. “Because burnout and injuries are the most common causes of mental health issues among athletes, our comprehensive sports medicine program is essential to the overall well-being of the athletes. Our athletic trainers examine all aspects of the student-athlete’s journey from physical to emotional health, often forming meaningful relationships with athletes and their families.”

Williamson Health and Bone and Joint Institute athletic trainers work in tandem as part of the comprehensive sports medicine program the local health system offers high schools at no expense to the schools. The team physicians generously provide their time and expertise as part of their commitment to care for local athletes. Additionally, these providers get to know the athletes on a personal level. Williamson Health also provides on-site Emergency Medical Services for every high school’s home varsity football games.

A local soccer student-athlete described her athletic trainer and participation in this program in this way: “Brittany is such a good trainer. When I tore my ACL during a high school soccer game, she supported me throughout my recovery journey. She was there from when she carried me off the field up until I was cleared to play again six months later. She is truly the best!” 

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this program is that it is provided at no cost to the participating schools, parents, or student-athletes served. This is made possible through the Annual Williamson Health Champions Golf Classic, from which proceeds help fund this athletic training program.

This year, the 30^th Annual Williamson Health Champions Golf Classic will be held on August 16^th at the Nashville Golf and Athletic Club. To celebrate this thirtieth-anniversary milestone, this year’s event will offer a single afternoon round of golf, followed by an after-party featuring delicious food, meaningful connections, and live entertainment from well-known musical artists and local supporters of the health systems.

“We are thrilled to celebrate thirty years of giving back to Williamson County, made possible by the generous support from our growing community,” said Leigh Williams, Williamson Health Foundation Executive Director. “This year’s event is especially exciting with the addition of the after-party featuring a unique putting contest and incredible musical talent, adding even more energy to the friendly competition on the course.”

While some may think golf is for the gentlemen, there will also be something of interest to the ladies. As part of the event, Williamson Health Foundation Capital Campaign Co-Chair Caroline Bryan will host her signature competition, Putting for Purses, which combines skill, fashion and philanthropy. Participants purchase opportunities to win coveted designer purses that have been donated in support of Caroline’s favorite causes. The Putting for Purses competition will take place just after the start of the After Party. 

“Our signature ‘Putting for Purses’ contest at charity golf events has become a fan favorite—and for good reason! There’s nothing more entertaining than watching someone sink a putt with laser focus…all because they’ve got their eye on that one perfect handbag—whether it’s for them or a lucky loved one,” said Bryan. “We’ve had some incredible designer bags donated for this great cause, and it’s such a fun way to raise extra funds right on the course. So don’t forget to bring your wallet—and your short game—because you’re definitely going to want in on the action!"