HOUSTON – The University of St. Thomas Athletic Department continues to strengthen its nationally recognized Sports Medicine program with the addition of Juan Vargas as Associate Athletic Trainer. Joining the Celts through Memorial Hermann, Vargas will oversee the sports medicine coverage for the UST women's soccer, men's soccer and baseball programs.
Vargas brings a strong background in athletic training, injury prevention and rehabilitation, along with experience working with athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. His arrival further enhances the outstanding medical care and support provided to UST student-athletes as the Celts prepare for another exciting year of competition.
In his role, Vargas will be responsible for the evaluation and management of athletic injuries, rehabilitation, emergency care, coordination of physician referrals and educating student-athletes on injury prevention and overall wellness. He will also serve as a clinical preceptor for the University of Houston Master's of Athletic Training Program, helping mentor the next generation of athletic trainers.
Director of Sports Medicine Leslie Bennett is excited to welcome Vargas to the growing Sports Medicine staff.
"We are thrilled to welcome Juan to join the Sports Medicine team," Bennett said. "Our staff has a big impact on our athletic population. Finding individuals who are not only skilled clinicians but also genuinely care about building relationships with our student-athletes is so important, and I know they've found the right home here.
"Juan brings expertise that will help support our student-athletes and align with the culture we've worked hard to build. I have no doubt they will strongly contribute to our department, and we're excited to have them as part of the Celts family."
A Proven Background in Athletic Training
A native of Lake Jackson, Texas, Vargas earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Houston in 2020 before completing his Master of Athletic Training in 2022.
Following graduate school, Vargas joined Memorial Hermann as an outreach athletic trainer, where he spent four years providing medical coverage for Cypress Park High School, Thornton Middle School and Rowe Middle School. Throughout his career, he has also worked alongside elite athletes and premier sporting events, including the Houston Dynamo, AAU Junior Olympic Games, USA Gymnastics and IRONMAN Triathlons.
His diverse experience in sports medicine, combined with a passion for athlete care and performance, makes him a valuable addition to the UST Athletics family.
A nationally certified athletic trainer and licensed athletic trainer in the state of Texas, Vargas will immediately begin working with the Celts, providing comprehensive care for the women's soccer, men's soccer and baseball programs.
The addition of Vargas reflects UST Athletics' continued commitment to investing in the health, safety and success of its student-athletes by building one of the premier Sports Medicine staffs in NCAA Division III.
