LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks announced today that Director of Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer Dr. Courtney Watson is returning to the Los Angeles Sparks for her 15th season with the team.

"We are grateful for Courtney's continued commitment to the LA Sparks," said Sparks CAO & GM Karen Bryant. "She is a true professional, very well respected across our league and the broader sports industry. Most importantly, she is passionate about the health and wellness of our players and works hard to ensure that they receive world-class care."

Watson has over 20 years of professional experience in sports medicine and is the second longest tenured Head Athletic Trainer in the WNBA. She has overseen all sports medicine for the Los Angeles Sparks for 15 years, specializing in health and injury management for the most elite athletes in women's basketball.

This past winter, Dr. Watson served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Women's USA National Team at the 2022 FIBA World Cup, where the United States brought home a gold medal, the third of her career. Prior to the 2022 gold medal run, Watson served as the first Head Athletic Trainer for the men's and women's USA National 3x3 Team.

"I am so excited about the opportunity to continue building a world-class Sports Medicine and Performance team with the Sparks," said Watson. "I am very grateful to KB and Coach Miller for the opportunity to continue providing my passion and expertise to this organization, as we aim to bring another championship back to the city of Los Angeles and the LA Sparks organization."

Along with her long-time WNBA experience, Dr. Watson is also a trailblazer for women in the field, becoming the first female athletic trainer in the sport of boxing as the trainer for welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather. A Los Angeles native, Dr. Watson has an emphasis on giving back and educating young students interested in the sports medicine field. She founded "Courtney's Corner Sports Medicine Services and Internship" and has spent the last 15 years teaching pilot programs in various Los Angeles high schools. Interns participating in her program can be seen at Los Angeles sporting events such as Sparks games and both men's and women's Drew League games.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS

Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of three original franchises in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), have qualified for the playoffs in 20 of their 26 seasons and remain the only active team in the league to win back-to-back titles. The Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Crypto.com Arena has a championship level entertainment experience while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. LA Sparks 2023 season tickets are available for purchase.