Athletic trainers are health care professionals responsible for the prevention, management, and care of injuries at all levels of physical activity. They serve as the liaison between the athlete and physician and between the athlete and coach. Athletic trainers are supported and certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and may obtain licensure by the State of Georgia. The Sports Medicine Program’s staff consists of pediatric sports medicine physicians, pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, certified athletic trainers, and certified strength and conditioning specialists who specialize in the treatment of young athletes. When an athlete suffers a sports related injury, proper healing and therapy are crucial. Riverwood has enjoyed working with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sport Medicine Program for more than ten years.
Whitley Witherspoon is on staff at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) Sports Medicine Program and, beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, serves as the athletic trainer for all Riverwood athletes. Whitley is at most Riverwood sporting events and her goal is to provide the highest quality care for our athletes. She earned a B.S. in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training at Valdosta State University and held internships at both the University of Memphis and in the Trauma Orthopaedic Unit of the Atlanta Medical Center.
Whitley played high school sports (volleyball and basketball) and served as a school athletic trainer in Henry County (GA) schools prior to joining the Raider family. She has also worked as a Rehab Specialist at Optimum Health Spinal Rehab. Her credentials include National Board Certification by BOC, a State of Georgia Athletic Trainer license, as well as membership in the National, Southeast, and Georgia Athletic Trainers' Associations. Whitley is a member of the Georgia Concussion Coalition and is certified with CPR for the Professional Rescuer.
The Sports Medicine Program at CHOA is committed to providing quality care for student-athletes in the community. For more information regarding the Sports Medicine at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, please visit www.choa.org/sportsmed
CHOA video: "Common Sports Injuries in Teens"
