Caring for the Cowboys: Memorial + McNeese Athletics

Investing in Student-Athletes, Sports Medicine and Southwest Louisiana

Winning takes a team—and at McNeese State University, that team extends far beyond the athletes, coaches and staff on the field.

Through Lake Charles Memorial Health System's partnership with McNeese Athletics, student-athletes have access to an integrated sports medicine network designed to support their physical and mental wellbeing throughout their collegiate careers. Dedicated athletic trainers work alongside Memorial's sports medicine physicians, orthopedic specialists, imaging services, rehabilitation professionals and primary care providers to help athletes prevent injuries, recover safely and perform at their highest level.

In this video, McNeese State University Athletic Director Bridget Martin and Lake Charles Memorial Health System Chief Strategy Officer Jason Rashall discuss how the partnership has become an important part of the student-athlete experience—and an investment in the future of Southwest Louisiana.

Care That's Part of the Team

For collegiate athletes, healthcare can't begin when an injury happens. Athletic trainers spend long hours alongside McNeese teams during practices, training, competition and recovery, allowing them to build relationships with the athletes they serve.

That familiarity becomes particularly important when an athlete is injured. Recovery can take a toll physically and mentally, and having a trusted athletic trainer there throughout the process gives athletes a familiar source of support while connecting them to the broader network of healthcare professionals available through Memorial.

The result is coordinated care built around the individual athlete—from injury prevention and immediate assessment to physician care, imaging, rehabilitation and return to competition.

An Investment in McNeese and Our Community

Memorial's commitment to McNeese Athletics represents one of the most significant partnerships in the program's history. When athletic trainer salaries and benefits, physician coverage, administrative support and additional resources are considered, Memorial's annual investment approaches $1 million.

That investment reflects something bigger than athletics. Memorial was built by Southwest Louisiana, and McNeese has helped educate generations of the people who live and work here. Both organizations share a commitment to making the region stronger.

The partnership also creates educational opportunities for students interested in healthcare careers. Memorial athletic trainers, physicians and residents help expose the next generation of healthcare professionals to sports medicine while strengthening the region's overall sports medicine infrastructure.

Building a Stronger Future Together

For Memorial and McNeese, success isn't measured only on the scoreboard. It's reflected in student-athletes who graduate healthy, build meaningful relationships and leave McNeese prepared for what comes next.

As the partnership continues to grow, Memorial and McNeese are expanding opportunities in sports medicine, education and community outreach. McNeese develops leaders. Memorial cares for the community. Together, the two institutions are investing in student-athletes, future healthcare professionals and a stronger Southwest Louisiana.