Forté’s Jillian Hacker to serve as the first-ever athletic trainer for the Colts Cheerleaders
CARMEL, Ind. – The Indianapolis Colts are teaming up with Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, formerly known as Methodist Sports Medicine, to serve as a leader in sports medicine care for cheerleaders. With the hiring of Jillian Hacker, outreach services coordinator at Forté, the Colts join a handful of NFL teams to have an athletic trainer dedicated to providing specialized care for its squad members.
“We’re proud to partner with Jillian and Forté to focus on the unique injuries our cheerleaders might face and to continue prioritizing the well-being of every athlete-performer on our team,” said Kelly Tilley, director of cheerleading for the Colts.
For nearly 40 years, Forté has served as the Indianapolis Colts’ team physicians. As the first-ever athletic trainer for the Colts Cheerleaders, Hacker, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, will follow in the tradition of providing the franchise with leading-edge sports medicine services.
A former college gymnast, Hacker has experience coordinating care for the Purdue University Fort Wayne softball and women’s soccer teams. Prior to that, she provided sports medicine services to the Fort Wayne Ballet professional dance company, local gymnastics clubs, and various high schools and colleges.
While cheerleaders have fewer high-impact injuries than football players, Hacker says it’s not uncommon to see stress fractures, tendonitis, sprained ankles and other related injuries. To treat and prevent injuries, she will work with the cheerleaders three days a week – attending practices, offering services during game-day rehearsals and performances, and leading post-game recovery and treatments.
“I’m honored to represent Forté and the Indianapolis Colts in this new role,” said Hacker. “I’m looking forward to helping the Colts Cheerleaders perform at their best so that they can, in turn, make game day fun for everyone.”
The Colts Cheerleaders are celebrating their 39th season in Indianapolis. To learn more about the squad and its scheduled appearances, visit Colts.com/cheerleaders.
More information about Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is available at forteortho.com.
About Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, previously known as Methodist Sports Medicine, is an independent, physician-owned orthopedic practice recognized as one of the region’s most respected orthopedic groups. Founded in 1983 as one of the country’s original sports medicine practices, Forté’s physicians and staff provide comprehensive, specialized sports medicine and orthopedic care to patients of all ages.
Clinical evaluations performed by highly skilled fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, combined with advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive non-surgical treatment options, provide patients with exceptional treatment outcomes and a return to active living. Forté provides patients with expert orthopedic care in several sub-specialties, including hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder; foot and ankle; hip and knee; joint replacement and revision; spine care and sports medicine. Forté has been trusted by the Indianapolis Colts as their official team physicians since 1983 and serve as the orthopedic provider for Purdue University, Butler University, Indiana State University and numerous high schools and public safety departments throughout central Indiana.
Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics also innovates daily through a separate 501(c)(3), Forté Orthopedic Research Institute, that improves the lives of patients everywhere through advanced clinical research and education.
