The Chicago Sky are seeking a highly skilled and athlete-centered Physical Therapist to provide comprehensive rehabilitation, recovery, and movement-optimization support for our players throughout the WNBA season and offseason. The ideal candidate is an experienced sports medicine professional who can blend clinical expertise, performance insight, and collaborative communication to enhance player availability, resilience, and return-to-play outcomes. The Physical Therapist will function as a key member of the team's medical and performance staff, working closely with the Director of Health & Human Performance, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, sports science staff, and external medical partners.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Player Care & Individual Rehabilitation
- Conduct thorough musculoskeletal evaluations and design individualized rehabilitation programs.
- Deliver manual therapy, soft-tissue treatment, joint mobilization, and corrective movement strategies.
- Progress athletes through the full return-to-play continuum in collaboration with athletic training and performance staff.
- Monitor movement quality, biomechanics, and functional progress throughout the rehab process.
- Support athletes with chronic injury management and long-term maintenance plans.
Integrated Performance & Medical Operations
Collaborate on integrated performance planning that aligns rehab, strength, conditioning, and practice demands.Participate in pre-season, in-season, and off-season screenings, testing, and medical evaluations.Provide daily treatment sessions before practices, games, and travel.Assist in athlete monitoring processes, including readiness assessments and functional testing.Maintain detailed documentation and adhere to WNBA and team standards for injury records and treatment notes.Travel & Game Support
Provide pre-game activation, in-game evaluation support when needed, and post-game recovery treatments.Travel with the team for regular-season road trips, training camp, and postseason competition.Ensure all rehab and recovery tools are prepared, organized, and transported for away games.Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Communicate regularly with coaching, medical, and performance staff to align rehab timelines and player availability.Contribute clinical insight to case reviews and ongoing integrated planning meetings.Support injured athletes with tailored performance and loading strategies during all stages of recovery.Education & Communication
Teach athletes best practices for recovery, mobility, injury prevention, and long-term health maintenance.Provide staff education related to movement quality, functional screening, and rehabilitation principles.Translate complex clinical information into clear, actionable guidance for athletes and coaches.Compliance & Professional Standards
Maintain licensure, CEUs, and relevant certifications required for practice.Adhere to all HIPAA, WNBA, and team confidentiality standards.Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and consistency within a demanding performance environment.Availability for nights, weekends, holidays, extensive travel, and nontraditional hours.Other Responsibilities
Support offseason training, remote check-ins, and individualized summer rehab plans.Participate in community, media, or organizational initiatives as needed.Perform other duties as assigned and mutually agreed upon.Qualifications
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program.Active Illinois Physical Therapist License (or ability to obtain upon hire).Minimum 2-4 years of experience working in collegiate, professional, or elite sport settings.Strong background in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, manual therapy, and movement assessment.Excellent communication and collaboration skills within a multidisciplinary team.Experience working with female athletes or basketball-specific demands (preferred).Preferred
Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) or Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).Dry needling certification.Experience with WNBA, NBA, NCAA Division I, or other elite basketball environments.Competency with biomechanical tools (force plates, motion capture, GPS / IMU systems).Why Join Us
This position offers the opportunity to significantly impact athlete performance and availability within a
progressive, integrated, and championship-driven environment. You will be part of a staff passionate about
elevating player care, optimizing performance, and supporting the holistic development of Chicago Sky athletes.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.