CHRISTUS Health and Islanders Athletics partner to provide care for student-athletes


9/26/2024

CHRISTUS Health and the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Athletic Department are excited to announce an important partnership. Drs. George and Ioannis N. Liras, sports medicine specialists with CHRISTUS Health, are now the official team physicians of Islanders Athletics.

The agreement includes two important factors: recognizing Drs. George and Ioannis Liras as Islanders Athletics’ official team physicians, serving the needs of student-athletes, and designating CHRISTUS Health as a critical and official sponsor of Islanders Athletics.

“The impact of sports medicine on an NCAA Division-I athletic department cannot be overstated,” said Adrian Rodriguez, vice president of student engagement and success & intercollegiate athletics. “By having dedicated physicians and athletic trainers who specialize in the unique demands of athletic performance, we enhance our ability to prevent, diagnose and treat injuries effectively. It allows our student-athletes to perform at peak performance levels, and to ensure that our student-athletes stay healthy and competitive throughout their seasons – incredibly vital to us, as here at Islanders Athletics, we’ve come to expect great success both on and off the playing surface.”

This relationship began in 2016 with Dr. George Liras. Between the two physicians, they have attended hundreds of home games over the years, providing care for over 250 student-athletes to ensure their health and well-being.

“The timing of this partnership could not be more perfect,” said Dr. George Liras. “We’ve been privileged to be on the sidelines, watching these young, talented athletes compete, win championships and write history for the university. It’s been an incredible journey.”

This partnership ensures Islanders Athletics will receive exceptional medical care with the health and well-being of the student-athlete as the top priority.

“Our goal, as always, will be to keep these athletes’ health in top condition and ready to compete at their highest potential,” said Dr. Ioannis Liras. “But beyond that, we also want to ensure their well-being off the court or field, helping them reach new heights in every aspect of life.”

CHRISTUS Health and Islander Athletics officially signed the agreement on Tuesday, with several student-athletes in attendance.

“I am proud CHRISTUS Health and Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi are now officially partners,” said Dominic Dominguez, chief executive officer for CHRISTUS Spohn Health System. “I know these student-athletes are in great hands, and I look forward to seeing where this partnership takes us in the future.”