Athletic Training

It is the responsibility of the licensed athletic trainer to determine if an injured athlete may continue to participate in their sport, and when they will be allowed to return to participation. This determination is often done in conjunction with our volunteer consulting physicians or with the athlete’s primary care/orthopedic physician. We have a partnership with Cambridge Health Alliance Sports Medicine, which provides sideline coverage at varsity football games, office visits, and physical therapy.

Athletic Trainers

Athletic trainers play a vital role in supporting student-athlete health and safety. They provide clinical recognition and evaluation of injuries, rehabilitate injuries, apply taping and bracing techniques, and provide first aid and wound management. Athletic trainers are trained to recognize and manage concussions and other serious injuries, make decisions about participation and return to play, and remove athletes from practice or competition when needed. Above all, athletic trainers prioritize the well-being of every student and make decisions that help keep athletes safe. 

Our SHS Trainers

Michelle Kelly, MS, LAT, ATC has served as Somerville’s Head Athletic Trainer since 2007. She is the health care provider for all our sports teams, providing injury prevention, evaluation and treatment, concussion management, sideline medical coverage, and all things related to the health and well-being of our student-athletes. Michelle is also the District Concussion Coordinator. She created and implemented concussion protocols and education for all K-12 students. Michelle serves on the MIAA sports medicine committee and the DPH concussion advisory board. 

Linzy Buffington, MS, LAT, ATC is a Chicago kid who comes to Somerville High School via Birmingham, Alabama where she has been a certified athletic trainer for 10+ years. She got her Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL and her Masters of Science in Exercise Science from Auburn University in Auburn, AL. While in Alabama, she has worn multiple different hats as an athletic trainer. These include, but are not limited to, covering high school athletics, concussion spotting for the UFL Birmingham Stallions and UAB Football program, and most recently as a clinical coordinator for a non-operative sports medicine doctor at UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine. She has covered the Chicago Marathon, The 2020 World Games, The 2023 Transplant Games, and The 2025 World Police & Fire Games. 

Athlete Injuries

Responsibilities of the student-athlete and his/her parent/guardian

Highlander student-athletes are expected to work in partnership with their coaches, athletic trainer, and medical professionals to ensure they stay in the right physical condition to succeed on the field and in the classroom. Student-athletes are expected to:

• Inform the athletic trainer of ALL injuries that occur during the season, whether or not it happened while participating in their sport. This is essential in the recovery process.
• Inform the athletic trainer of ALL medical doctor visits regarding injury and return to participation.
• Provide the athletic trainer with a written note from ALL doctor visits. This is important for documentation of an athlete’s injury and return to participation guidelines, plus it aids in communication between the physician and Highlander Athletics. In some cases, the student-athlete will not be allowed to return to participation without a note from their physician.

Concussion Management

Somerville Public Schools follows a comprehensive concussion management process to support student safety and recovery. Any student suspected of having a concussion must immediately stop all physical and strenuous activities, including sports, recess, performing arts, and other activities, and be evaluated by the school nurse, certified athletic trainer, and a healthcare provider.

Families will be notified and provided with concussion care information and guidance. Students may receive academic accommodations and a gradual return-to-school plan to reduce cognitive demands while they recover. Students must be symptom-free, return to baseline testing levels, and receive written clearance from a physician and school health professional before returning to physical activity, field trips, or extracurricular activities.

Student-athletes follow a gradual six-step return-to-play process, while other students must be symptom-free for at least one week before resuming physical activity. Students with prolonged or worsening symptoms may be referred to a concussion specialist for further evaluation. A student-athlete who experiences a second concussion during the same school year will be restricted from competition and referred for additional assessment.

Recommended Orthopedic Services and Sports Medicine Medical Team

Highlander Athletics is pleased to recommend orthopedic services for our student athletes at the following locations.

CHA Assembly Square Sports Medicine
5 Middlesex Avenue, 1st floor
Dr. David Wing: 617-665-2007, 617-665-1566
Nicholas Wilson, PT: Physical Therapist, 617-591-4692

Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine
Sports Medicine Affiliate Membership – inform that you are an affiliated group member from Somerville High School
Priority and urgent appointments: 857-218-5093
Concussion Clinic: 781-216-1328 or 617-355-3501