Head Athletic Trainer – The UPSHOT League
Locations: Jacksonville, FL
Position: Full-Time/At-will/Seasonal (April 15 – August 31, 2026)
Reports To: Head Coach and VP of Basketball Operations
Benefits: None benefits and no relocation expenses provided
The UPSHOT League is a new professional women’s basketball league launching its inaugural season in May 2026. We are committed to providing elite support systems for athletes, including top-tier sports medicine, strength, and performance care as part of our competitive season structure.
Job Summary:
The Athletic Trainer (ATC) will provide comprehensive sports medicine support to professional women’s basketball elite athletes throughout the UPSHOT League’s inaugural season. This is an excellent opportunity for a certified Athletic Trainer, including college ATCs or early-career professionals, to gain valuable professional experience. The Athletic Trainer will ensure the health, safety, and optimal performance of all players by performing injury prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and documentation responsibilities. Preference is given to candidates residing in or near the league’s team cities and those with experience working with female athletes, particularly basketball players.
Key Responsibilities:
· Develop and implement injury prevention and screening programs tailored to professional basketball athletes.
· Evaluate and treat acute injuries at practices, games, and team activities.
· Design and supervise rehabilitation programs in collaboration with physicians and physical therapists.
· Administer therapeutic modalities, taping, bracing, and other interventions as needed.
· Respond to medical emergencies and provide first aid during practices and games. Maintain accurate injury records, treatment logs, and documentation.
· Handle worker’s compensation paperwork and coordinate related administrative tasks.
· Communicate with coaches, medical staff, team and league leadership regarding player health and return-to-play status.
· Educate athletes on conditioning, hydration, nutrition, and injury prevention. Travel with the team across league cities for games, training camps, and evaluations.
· Be available for all player pre-season and post-season physicals.
· Will handle travel/hotel arrangements for the team as well
· Manage an ATC intern
Required Qualifications:
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in good standing AND a bachelor’s or master’s degree in athletic training, Sports Medicine, or related field.
· Current CPR and AED certifications.
· Strong knowledge of sports injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques.
· Knowledge of Emergency Access Plans for practice and game sites.
· Must pass a background check.
· Commitment to confidentiality and professional conduct.
· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
· Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and travel flexibility
Preferred Qualifications:
· Experience working with female athletes, especially basketball players.
· Experience with professional women’s basketball or collegiate sports environments.
· On-Site in Jacksonville, FL
Working Conditions:
· This position requires on-court presence during practices and games, frequent travel (including overnight trips), and a fast-paced professional sports environment.
· Availability is required throughout the season from April 15 to August 31, 2026.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
