Delta, CO – (January 12, 2026) — Delta Health is excited to announce the addition of a certified Athletic Trainer, Shane Phillips, who will work directly with student-athletes at Delta High School. This new partnership represents a significant step forward in providing high-level sports medicine, injury prevention, and performance support to local athletes, and reflects Delta Health’s commitment to strengthening health and safety across area schools.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Delta High School and support its student-athletes through this tremendous opportunity,” said Manuel Delgado, Director of Outpatient Therapies and Sports Performance at Delta Health. “Having an Athletic Trainer on site ensures athletes receive expert care, education, and preventative support, and we hope this collaboration becomes a model we can expand to other high schools throughout Delta County.”
The newly added Athletic Trainer brings extensive experience, deep Colorado roots, and a passion for supporting young athletes. Originally, from Grand Junction, Phillips attended Fruita Middle School and Fruita Monument High School, where he played football before pursuing a career in sports medicine.
“I grew up on the Western Slope and knew early on I wanted to stay involved in sports while challenging myself mentally,” Phillips said. “I earned my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and became a certified Athletic Trainer at the University of Colorado Boulder, where I also completed two pre-season internships with the Denver Broncos.”
Phillips went on to earn a Master’s degree in Sports Administration from the University of Miami, Florida, while working as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer. After returning to CU Boulder, he spent 19 years working there, always hoping to one-day return to western Colorado. Most recently, he served 1.5 years in Anchorage, Alaska, as Lead Athletic Trainer and civilian contractor for the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness program.
Phillips’s motivation for working with high school athletes is deeply personal.
“I struggled with nagging injuries during my own high school sports career and never really had good support,” Phillips explained. “Now it’s incredibly rewarding to provide high-level injury care and prevention to student-athletes who are in the same position I once was, so they can enjoy their sports and perform at their best.”
Looking ahead, Phillips shared his excitement about becoming part of the Delta community. “I’m most looking forward to being part of the sports teams, helping student-athletes achieve their best, and being a positive influence on the character of future generations,” he said.
Outside of work, he remains passionate about health, fitness, and nutrition, and enjoys fly-fishing and spending time outdoors appreciating nature.
Delta Health is proud to support Delta High School through this partnership and looks forward to continuing to invest in the health, performance, and well-being of student-athletes across the region.
