Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Hosts Challenge Soccer Signing Night

HOUSTON, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital athletic trainers and sports medicine physicians recently hosted a Signing Night for the Challenge Soccer Club of Houston.

Challenge Soccer, a nationally recognized soccer club for girls, announced February 5 the scholarship signings of 32 of their players with major colleges and universities across the country. Seniors from four Houston-area teams – Challenge 96 ECNL, Challenge 96 Kingwood, Challenge 96 South, Challenge 96 Aggieland – are graduating this year.

"We couldn't be prouder of this class of seniors," said Mike Pace, an athletic trainer at  Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. "They are an incredibly talented group that has been recognized on the national, regional, state and district levels. Since we work with Challenge Soccer throughout the year, we feel a part of the team and take pride in the accomplishments of the players."

The signing night event, held in the Women's & Children's Pavilion Atrium of Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, featured a formal presentation of the honored players, with interviews and a photography session.

"We were honored to host Challenge Soccer's graduating players and their families for signing night," said Beryl Ramsey, chief executive officer of Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and senior vice president of Houston Methodist. "These talented young women represent the very best in our community." 

The Houston Methodist Willowbrook athletic trainers provide game coverage and sideline support for Challenge Soccer and other youth, amateur and collegiate sports teams and clubs throughout Houston. 

"Through partnerships with youth sports clubs like Challenge Soccer, our athletic trainers provide onsite injury evaluation, concussion assessment and management, and prompt referrals to the right specialist," Pace said.

Pat O'Toole, Challenge Soccer Club director of coaching, said with the addition of these 32 players, Challenge Soccer now has more than 750 players in the collegiate ranks, which is a reflection of the commitment the club has to provide opportunities for female soccer players to advance.

 For more information about our athletic training services or to schedule an appointment with a Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine physician, call 281.737.0999 or visit  www.houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics. 

About Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a not-for-profit, faith-based hospital, which is part of Houston Methodist. The facility opened on December 18, 2000. The campus has expanded in Northwest Houston to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the community.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program^®.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has received its chest pain and stroke accreditations, performs complex surgeries such as neurosurgery and open heart, and focuses on women and children in its new Women's & Children's Pavilion. Utilizing the latest research and state-of-the-art technology, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has become the leader in orthopedic care in Northwest Houston. For more information on the comprehensive services available on the Houston Methodist Willowbrook campus, please visit  houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook. To find a physician, call 281.737.2500.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140515/88252 

SOURCE Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital