Zeta Phi Beta’s Dr. Vanessa Brooks Named Head Athletic Trainer for the LA Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Friday that they have appointed Dr. Vanessa Brooks as their new head athletic trainer. Dr. Brooks, a Spring 2018 initiate of the Eta Beta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., steps into the role following Roger Sancho’s departure to the Phoenix Suns, further strengthening the Lakers’ medical staff ahead of the upcoming season.

Dr. Brooks comes with an impressive resume and is celebrated as the first Black woman in the NBA to hold dual certifications as both an athletic trainer and physical therapist. She recently served with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where her work on player health and injury prevention earned her widespread recognition. In addition to her clinical duties, Brooks has been active in shaping emergency preparedness protocols for the NBA, NHL, and WNBA through her work on the NBA’s Emergency Preparedness Committee.

According to her LinkedIn, her career began after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training at the University of Georgia, where she gained hands-on experience in equestrian sports, women’s basketball, volleyball, and football. Brooks went on to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Emory University, where she earned multiple prestigious awards for her dedication to the field and for promoting physical activity among women and girls. During her time in Atlanta, she served as a head athletic trainer for Atlanta Public Schools, where she not only managed sports injuries but also founded an Athletic Trainers’ Union.

Before joining the NBA, Brooks worked extensively with Division I athletics at Wake Forest University while completing her PT Sports Fellowship. During this period, she became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy. She also worked with Duke’s Sports Medicine Clinic, where she co-founded a preventative injury sports medicine program that connected local AAU basketball teams with Duke’s renowned sports medicine resources.

Dr. Brooks’ depth of experience in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and player health, combined with her leadership in emergency preparedness, makes her a vital addition to the Lakers’ medical staff. Her work under Dr. Leroy Sims, the team’s director of player performance, is expected to play a pivotal role in keeping the Lakers’ roster healthy and competitive throughout the season.

We at Watch The Yard would like to congratulate Dr. Brooks on her new position. We can’t wait to see her next accomplishments.