The sports medicine department at Houston Dynamo Football Club is one of many that have expanded following the arrival of majority owner, Ted Segal. This department is vital to keeping athletes on the field through injury prevention and other measures that help players navigate the demands of the sport.
Eleven practitioners currently comprise the sports medicine department at the Club, and each plays a vital role in the health and performance of the athletes that take the field at Shell Energy Stadium and across the country.
As the Club celebrates National Athletic Trainers Month, below is an overview of each practitioner, their journey to Houston and what their profession means to them.
The department is led by Craig Devine, the director of sports medicine for the Club, who joined the organization in December 2022. He brings three decades of professional experience, previously with the Columbus Crew, U.S. Figure Skating and National Lacross League. To him, this month provides a platform to fuel pride and passion for the profession and assist clinicians to become the best they can be.
The Houston Dash recently welcomed Wafaa Chatila as the head athletic trainer for the team. The Texas native received her bachelor’s in athletic training from TCU and graduated with her masters in sports and fitness administration from the University of Houston. To her, athletic training “is a selfless profession that allows us the ability to provide the best healthcare to our patients with adaptability, the latest knowledge and a passion to help others.”
The Dash also hired Jill Davis during the offseason as an assistant athletic trainer after four years in college athletics. To her, the profession is “one of the most service oriented and important roles within the team environment.”
The Houston Dynamo medical staff was nominated for a league award following the 2023 season. The group is led by Matt Murphy, who joined the team last year in May at the start of the season after serving as the assistant athletic trainer for Real Salt Lake and the organization since February 2019.
”Being "Beingable to connect with athletes as people is what brings me the most joy and passion,” Murphy said. “Athletic training allows me to care for people with the most holistic approach because we have knowledge in so many different areas beyond those associated with the profession.”
The Dynamo athletic training staff includes Juan Castano, who previously held a similar position with Chicago Fire FC and began his tenure in MLS as an intern with Orlando City SC. The Cali, Colombia native emphasized the value of the bonds formed throughout a season and how those bonds facilitate trust with an athlete through the ebbs and flows of a campaign.
Brandi Neeley is the newest member of the Dynamo staff, and she was promoted following two seasons as the head athletic trainer for the second team. She began her tenure with the club as a part-time athletic trainer for the Houston Dynamo Academy and, four years later, has now secured a spot with the first team. Neeley values how the profession gives athletes a voice.
“Not only do we have the pleasure of helping ensure that those in our care continue to lead healthy and active lives, but we have the privilege of being their confidant, mentor and overall resource in helping them receive the best care possible,” Neeley said.
The Dynamo medical staff also includes Micah Kust, who is in his third season with the team. He has served as a clinician for more than a decade after playing collegiate soccer for four years at Luther College in Iowa. To him, the profession offers a unique combination of knowledge, work ethic and problem solving that is difficult to replicate.
The Dynamo 2 medical staff is led by Jennifer Fenwick, who joined the club in June 2022 and was recently promoted to the lead role for the second team. The New York native emphasized how the role assists athletes to remain at the healthiest level possible while competing to the best of their abilities. The Dynamo Dos staff provide key guidance for athletes transitioning from the youth or academy level to the professional ranks.
Matt Hutton recently joined the Dynamo 2 staff after he was promoted following one season with the Dynamo Academy. To him, the profession is the multi-tool of the sports world. In addition to injury management, Hutton stressed the importance of nutrition and hydration education to reduce the risk of injury and re-injury, while also providing mental health support during the many hardships athletes face.
The Dynamo Academy features five age groups that develop and mentor the next generation of Dynamo players. Adrian Guerrero and Ashton Heitz are tasked with caring for these athletes as they transition from youth players to the collegiate or professional ranks.
To learn more about the profession and the initiatives to advance the healthcare of the sport, visit the Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers Society website HERE. Murphy and Castano currently serve on the marketing PR committee for the organization.
