The Washington Commanders made history Tuesday by hiring Lindsay Gately as the team’s assistant athletic trainer/physical therapist. Gately becomes the first full-time female on the athletic training staff in the franchise’s 90-year history.
Gately will report directly to head athletic trainer Al Bellamy. Bellamy was hired in April to replace Ryan Vermillion.
Gately comes to Washington from Wake Forest where she served as an assistant football athletic trainer/physical therapist for the football program. Gately worked with the coaching on player injuries and their rehabilitation process, among other duties.
Before her role at Wake Forest, Gately spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and interned with the Pittsburgh Steelers. She is a native of Long Island, New York, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Pittsburgh and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California
Washington head coach Ron Rivera released the following statement on Gately’s hiring:
“We are excited to welcome Lindsay to the Washington Commanders organization, where she will join a great team led by Al Bellamy,” said Rivera. “The health and safety of our players is our top priority, and she will help us build on this emphasis with her tremendous experience at both the NFL and NCAA Division I level.”
Bellamy offered the following statement:
“Lindsay is going to add value to our department in both the athletic training and physical therapy areas of the operation,” he said. “She is an extremely polished and exceptional trainer and comes highly recommended from all her former employers. I’m excited to welcome her to our staff as we continue to provide the best possible healthcare to our players.”
Lastly, Gately commented on her new assignment.
“I’m extremely thankful to the Washington Commanders organization for making me a member of this storied franchise,” said Gately. “I look forward to joining a great staff headed by Al Bellamy and doing my part to assist the players and staff to the best of my abilities.”
From all indications, Gately will start immediately, giving Bellamy some much-needed help as Washington’s roster is battling a litany of early-season injuries.