From blood flow restriction cuffs to hot and cold whirlpools, California Baptist University’s sports medicine program uses cutting-edge technology and dedicated trainers to help student-athletes recover from injuries and maintain peak performance.
CBU athletes find physical and mental support through injury, recovery, and training with guidance from the program’s athletic trainers.
Grace Schmidt, junior social work major and forward on the women’s basketball team, faced a severe knee injury that sidelined her for three months.
“Patellar tendinitis basically broke my tendon down,” Schmidt explained. “It was so severe that it couldn’t grow back on its own, and then, since it was already weak, I partially tore it.”
Despite the long and challenging recovery process, Schmidt relied on her trainers to help her regain strength and return to the court.
“I’ve worked a lot with Miguel [Peredia] in the rec center,” Schmidt noted. “He’d drop everything to come work with me. Miguel and I were locked in—he’s my bestie.”
Schmidt gradually regained her strength through personalized recovery plans and advanced technology.
“I used this thing called a BFR cuff… they put it on me, pump it full of air, and it cuts off circulation to my leg, actually. But it tricks my muscles. So I was able to do strength training with no weights, which was good for my knee,” Schmidt added. “They let me bring it home over the summer.”
After a seven-month hiatus, Schmidt returned to the court in late July with an appreciative outlook on the game.
“Basketball got taken away from me for seven months… I have a whole new perspective… I’m glad I get to feel tired and exhausted instead of being on the sidelines,” Schmidt said.
Marcella Brooks, senior communication studies major and forward on the women’s soccer team, has also received essential support from CBU’s sports medicine staff. Brooks described the unity and empathy the trainers and faculty showed following her ACL injury this fall season.
“The support that I have received not only from the athletic trainers but from the faculty, professors, other sports coaches, and the Athletic Director has been amazing,” Brooks said. “They treat us like people before athletes, and it’s made this journey a lot easier.”
Brooks’ rehab has required patience and perseverance, but she hopes to continue her professional soccer career after graduating in December.
“I can’t move to phase three until three months post-op… there isn’t anything you can do to speed that time up besides let time and God heal my body,” Brooks added.
Athletic trainer Miguel Peredia is one of the cornerstones of CBU’s sports medicine program. He works with athletes like Schmidt and Brooks from the moment of injury until they are ready to play again.
“Athletic trainers are the main healthcare providers from when the injury occurs to when the athlete returns to play,” Peredia explained. “A typical recovery process depends on the injury and severity, and throughout the process, we keep constant communication with the athlete, our team physician, and sometimes student care, depending on the injury.”
Peredia’s role goes beyond treatment; he educates athletes about injury prevention.
“CBU’s sports medicine program ensures that athletes can maintain peak performance and avoid future injuries through education and practice,” Peredia said. “We emphasize the importance of recovery, sleep, nutrition, hydration, and proper warm-ups and cool-downs.”
The training staff also assesses athletes for strength and movement deficiencies to prevent future injuries, using methods like intermittent pneumatic compression boots, electrical stimulation, dry needling, and ultrasound units to aid in musculoskeletal repair.
As CBU progresses in sports medicine, athletes and trainers look forward to a future where health and performance continually improve.
“Miguel is really good at maintenance,” Schmidt noted. “Even if you think, ‘Oh, I’m feeling good right now,’ he still wants you to come in.”
This dedicated approach makes CBU’s sports medicine program stand out, as athletes feel physically empowered and emotionally supported.
With a combination of advanced medical technology, personal dedication from trainers, and a team-based approach, CBU’s sports medicine staff offers student-athletes the tools they need to thrive both on and off the field.
“I couldn’t be more blessed to be surrounded by a family like the one here at CBU,” Brooks said.
