Akron Children’s Sports Health, Walsh Jesuit enter five-year partnership

10-09-2026 (Akron, Ohio)

       

AKRON (Oct. 9, 2026) – Akron Children’s Sports Health and Walsh Jesuit High School have entered into a five-year partnership that names Akron Children’s Sports Health the exclusive and official partner of certain professional sports health services for Walsh Jesuit.

The partnership expands a relationship between Walsh Jesuit and Akron Children’s that dates back to 2014 and reflects the school’s continued commitment to supporting the health, safety and well-being of its student-athletes.

Under the agreement, Akron Children’s Sports Health will provide team physician services and certified athletic trainers to support Walsh Jesuit’s athletic programs, including injury prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation.

Certified athletic trainers Mark Herbele and Emily Mally will provide on-site medical assistance to Walsh Jesuit student-athletes during practices and competitions. They will also assist with injury evaluation and coordinate care with physicians and other health care providers when additional treatment or services are needed. Sports health services provided through the partnership include concussion evaluation and treatment, injury prevention and rehabilitation, wellness promotion, and health screenings.

“The health and well-being of our student athletes is an important responsibility for Walsh Jesuit,” says Denny Ziegler, athletic director, Walsh Jesuit High School. “Our partnership with Akron Children’s allows us to provide our athletes with access to experienced sports medicine professionals and comprehensive care while strengthening a relationship that has served our school for more than a decade.”

“We are excited to have our athletic trainers begin working with the Walsh student-athletes this school year,” said Kyle Harper, athletic trainer supervisor for Akron Children’s. “They will be on site, keeping the athletes safe, healthy and working towards their individual and team goals.”

Akron Children’s has provided school health services at Walsh Jesuit since 2014. School health nurses provide daily care for injuries and illnesses, medication management, health screenings, health education, and immunization compliance.

Akron Children’s Sports Health provides sports health services to more than two dozen high schools throughout Northeast Ohio. The organization’s school nursing services extend to approximately 200 schools across 44 school districts in 11 counties.

The five-year agreement further strengthens Walsh Jesuit’s commitment to providing its student-athletes with comprehensive resources to support their participation in athletics and their overall well-being.            

About Akron Children’s 

Akron Children’s is an independent, nonprofit pediatric health care system that has been caring for children since 1890. With two hospital campuses, eight regional health centers and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, it is the only health care system in northeast Ohio fully dedicated to pediatric care. Its vast network of Akron Children’s Pediatrics offices offers convenient access to expert pediatric primary care for patients from infancy through young adulthood. From School-Based Health Care to Quick Care Online virtual visits and Akron Children’s Mother and Baby app, Akron Children’s makes it easy for today’s busy families to find the high-quality care they need. In 2025, the health care system provided nearly 1.6 million patient encounters and employed more than 7,496 employees. Learn more at akronchildrens.org.

About Walsh Jesuit High School

Walsh Jesuit High School is a Catholic, college preparatory high school in the spirit of St. Ignatius Loyola, educating young men and women for and with others since 1964. Reaching beyond academic excellence, Walsh Jesuit develops competence, conscience and compassion in its nearly 930 students, preparing graduates who are open to growth, intellectually competent, and committed to doing justice. Learn more at walshjesuit.org.