CARROLLTON, GA — Coach Patrick Rothschadl and Coach Shannon Bright share a passion for sports medicine, which ensures Carrollton High School athletes receive top-notch care. Together, they prioritize hands-on experiences for students and provide unwavering support for athletes on and off the field. 

Rothschadl began working for Southern Therapy Services in Carrollton in 2006, serving as the director of sports medicine. After 15 years, he transitioned as head athletic trainer at CHS in 2021. He dedicates his days to ensuring his student assistants have trainer-like experiences and supports their athletic peers on the field and in the training room.

“I love athletic training at CHS because I have great support from our administration and coaches,” Rothschadl said. “They give me what I need each day to take care of our athletes.”

Coach Bright started her tenure at CHS in 2018, bringing with her 16 years of experience in athletic training, including two years at the collegiate level and 14 at the high school level. Bright also teaches the healthcare pathway at CHS, where students can pursue careers in sports medicine or allied health. This pathway includes careers such as occupational and physical therapists, nursing, dental, veterinary, and many other professions in healthcare.

“I knew from the day I stepped on my first football field as a 14-year-old that being an athletic trainer was my career aspiration,” Bright said. “Having the opportunity to see an injury throughout the entire process, from evaluation and treatment to rehabilitation and eventual return to play, is such a fulfilling experience for me. It is the highest honor to stand behind and beside my athletes as they overcome injuries and obstacles to return to their sport and become the best version of themselves.”

Maggie Denmon, a 2019 Carrollton High School graduate, is a testament to the value of the school's sports medicine program. Her role as a student trainer provided her with hands-on experience that paved the way for her current pursuit of a master's degree in athletic training at the University of Georgia.

“I would not be where I am today without the CHS Sports Medicine Program,” said Denmon. “The environment at UGA compares very well to the experiences I had while at CHS. Being a part of the CHS Sports Medicine Program provides the best glimpse into future athletic training pursuits.”

Coach Bright recognized Denmon's ambition to become an athletic trainer.

“Maggie was one of my very first students, and I knew instantly that she had a passion for athletic training and sports medicine that would carry her far beyond the walls of CHS,” Bright said. “It has been so rewarding watching her passion come to fruition. I am so proud to be able to watch her succeed.”

Denmon has completed clinical rotations across diverse settings, including the UGA football team, Prince Avenue Christian School, hospital emergency rooms, and has accompanied EMTs on ride-alongs. She currently supports the UGA womens soccer team and will begin working with the UGA swim and dive team in the fall, all while pursuing her master's degree. 

CHS Athletic Director Paul Fitz-Simons recognizes the vital role of athletic trainers to a team’s success.

"Coach Bright and Coach Rothschadl are the backbone of our athletic program,” Fitz-Simons said. “Their dedication and expertise keep our athletes healthy and performing at their best. We are very fortunate to have them.”

March is National Athletic Trainer month, making it an appropriate time to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of these dedicated professionals to the health and well-being of CHS athletes.

 CUTLINE: Pictured are the members of the 2023-24 CHS Sports Medicine team. Back Row from left, Dr. Michael Poss, Dr. David Schumacher, Alexis Gentry, Coach Patrick Rothschadl, Dr. Greg Slappey, and Coach Shannon Bright. Kneeling from left are student trainers Shad McMillan, Rayne Mason, Jaida Neal, Emily Coloardo, Tyler Prather, and Tahni Holloway.

CUTLINE: March is National Athletic Trainers month, a time to appreciate the vital work of athletic trainers who keep Trojan athletes healthy, safe, and performing well. Pictured are Coach Shannon Bright (left) and Coach Patrick Rothschadl (right).

CUTLINE: Pictured is former CHS student athletic trainer Maggie Denmon (‘19) taping the ankle of a UGA athlete. Denmon is currently working as a trainer with the UGA women's soccer team and will join the UGA swim and dive team in the fall, all while pursuing her master's degree.