Softball Star’s Senior Season Saved Thanks To On-Site Athletic Trainer

As soon as I heard ‘fractured pelvis,’ I was immediately devastated. I was really worried I’d have to miss out on my senior season of softball,” recalls Neves. 

But instead of missing out on her last season, the daughter to Tammy and Wesley Neves is the star of her team thanks to the immediate response of an on-site athletic trainer from Utah Valley Sports Medicine.

Drew Weeks, ATC, is the full-time athletic trainer at Payson High School. In this position, Weeks was courtside when Neves fell during a varsity girls’ basketball game. Although he usually has injured players stand and demonstrate they can walk off the court, the former NFL trainer knew this situation was different.

“When Hallie hit the ground that night, it was ridiculously loud. I was up on my feet and out on the court immediately. I would typically have her get up and show me if she could walk it off, but I saw a hip deformity and decided she needed an ambulance after further evaluation in the training room,” said Weeks.

After remaining at the school for the rest of the basketball game, Weeks followed up with Neves at the emergency room. He got her scheduled the next day with a physician at Utah Valley Sports Medicine who specializes in treating sports-related injuries. Immediate access to such specialists is one of the benefits of an on-site trainer.

“Drew got the ER just as they finished the CT. He was right there to recognize she needed help and got her scheduled for the next morning at the sports medicine clinic – we didn’t have to wait. Hallie benefited from his quick actions and commitment to her well-being,” said Neves’ mother Tammy.

Weeks acted as both care manager and caregiver as Neves progressed through her recovery.  He communicated frequently with her physician and also provided rehabilitation in the school’s training room. Her mother knew the arrangement was ideal as Weeks had cared for Neves once before as a knee injury her junior year.

Payson’s Assistant Softball Coach Jodi Beck is impressed with the impact Weeks’ training has had on Neves’ progress. She’s seen both of them work hard to make sure the young athlete is ready to play at her best.

“Drew actually keeps all of our players healthier, longer because of the training he has given them and to us coaches,” said Beck. “Hallie is our only senior and is the starting catcher, hitting home runs and is a star, leading our young team. Drew helped this be possible.”

Neves agrees with Coach Beck. “I’m playing better than I ever have and I believe 110 percent that Drew helped me get here – I wouldn’t be back without him,” she said.