Former Utah Royals, Washington Mystics, and U.S. Soccer medical staffer joins Chicago

CHICAGO (January 29, 2021) — The Chicago Red Stars announced today the addition of Emily Fortunato as the club’s new Head Athletic Trainer.

“I am very honored and excited to join the Red Stars family,” Fortunato said. “They are a proven force in the league and compete for a title every year. They have an established history of excellence and I am committed to bringing that shared value to the organization in keeping the players safe and healthy.”

Fortunato, Athletic Trainer and member of the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, the official medical partner of the Chicago Red Stars, is this season’s newest member of the Chicago Red Stars Medical Team. She spent three seasons with the Utah Royals FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) where she oversaw all day-to-day operations of the medical department and developed their concussion management protocol.

Prior to the Royals, Fortunato served on the athletic training staff for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA from 2015-2017. She also has experience in Division I athletics, covering women’s basketball, women’s soccer, baseball, and softball at George Mason University. Since 2013, Fortunato has been a network provider for US Soccer, assisting the federation’s full-time medical staff during various training camps, tournaments, and friendlies. She was recently on staff during the team’s World Cup run in 2019 and Olympic qualifiers in January of 2020.

Fortunato received her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from George Washington University in 2007 and her master’s in Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion from George Mason University in 2009.

“I’m excited to welcome Emily to our talented medical staff,” Red Stars head coach Rory Dames said. “She is a huge addition that will continue to help the players achieve the level of play we expect in Chicago.”

Along with the signing of Fortunato, the Red Stars have agreed to a multi-year renewal with Illinois Bone and Joint Institute (IBJI) as the official medical partner of the Chicago Red Stars, CRS Academy, and the CRS Reserves

Programs including orthopedic care, sports medicine, team physicians, physical therapy, athletic training, and sports performance will all be led by the official team doctor, Dr. Roger Chams.

“IBJI has been a long-term partner of the Red Stars,” said Red Stars Owner, Arnim Whisler. “Their commitment to the health and safety of our players and staff has been nothing short of admirable. We look forward to extending and enhancing this strong, meaningful relationship.”

IBJI remains the team’s presenting partner for the CRS Academy and will become an official partner of the newly formed Chicago Red Stars Cares — a foundation established to provide programming and opportunities designed to empower and uplift members of the community. IBJI also returns as the presenting sponsor for the club’s annual CRS PRIDE celebration and accompanying game and their logo will be featured on both the club’s warmup tops and Supernova’s jersey.

“IBJI is excited to continue partnering with the Chicago Red Stars to help athletes reach their full performance potential,” says Medical Director of the Chicago Red Stars, Roger Chams MD. “We are proud to provide these world-class athletes with world-class orthopedic care from sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and performance coaches. We look forward to keeping these incredible athletes healthy, safe, and performing at their best during these challenging times.”

IBJI has locations throughout the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana.