How Memorial Changes the Game

The Team Behind the Team

Winning baseball games begins long before the first pitch. It starts with preparation, trust, and the people working behind the scenes to help student-athletes perform at their highest level every day.

Through Lake Charles Memorial Health System's partnership with McNeese State University Athletics, the Cowboys Baseball program has access to dedicated athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians, and healthcare professionals who support athletes throughout every stage of their season. From preseason conditioning and injury prevention to rehabilitation, recovery, and return-to-play decisions, Memorial's sports medicine team is there every day—not just when an injury occurs.

As Head Baseball Coach Justin Hill explains, having an athletic trainer embedded within the program provides far more than medical expertise. Athletic trainers become a trusted part of the team, spending countless hours with student-athletes during practices, workouts, road trips, rehabilitation sessions, and game days. They understand the physical demands of collegiate athletics while helping athletes remain healthy, confident, and prepared to compete.

For student-athletes like pitcher Colton Cross, that daily relationship makes all the difference. Recovering from an injury is about more than following a treatment plan—it's about having someone who knows your goals, understands your progress, and supports you through every milestone. Athletic trainers become mentors, advocates, and trusted teammates who help athletes navigate both the physical and mental challenges of recovery.

This partnership is about more than baseball. It reflects a shared commitment between Memorial and McNeese to invest in student success, provide exceptional healthcare, and create an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field. By supporting the health and wellbeing of McNeese student-athletes, Memorial is helping strengthen one of Southwest Louisiana's proudest traditions while building healthier futures for the entire community.