recovery Gap

A Study of Access, Equity, and Injury Recovery in Youth Sports

Abstract

While the modern sports medicine industry is increasingly emphasizing advanced recovery, these luxuries are largely inaccessible to athletes in marginalized communities. Our study focuses on how athletic recovery treatment plays a crucial role in injury prevention, and the lack of access to proper recovery care can be detrimental to student-athletes' personal health. Athletes in underprivileged communities often experience limited access due to financial constraints, limited healthcare facilities, and limited access to sports medicine professionals. We will explore the availability and accessibility of recovery treatments such as physical therapy, conditioning programs, and sports rehabilitation in underserved areas. Through a combination of surveyed qualitative data, gathered through interviews, and collected quantitative data, our study determines the effect that recovery access impacts students. These challenges create a barrier between marginalized youth and privileged communities, which lead to increased risk of reinjury, delayed recovery, and poorer athletic performance. These findings show us the significance of equal access to sports recovery in all communities in order to ensure healthier outcomes and equal opportunities for all.

Meet the Team

  • Matt MacMillan

    Matt MacMillan (he/him) is a senior at The Harker School in San Jose, California. He is passionate about service, leadership, and showing up fully for the people around him. An Eagle Scout candidate with Scouts BSA, he serves as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and has led service experiences for scouts domestically and abroad. He has volunteered with Junior Giants coaching underprivileged youth in baseball and life skills, earning the Willy Mac Award in recognition of his dedication as a teenage coach. A member of HOSA and his school's medical club, he placed at the regional level in his first year of HOSA competition. He plays baseball and competed in football this year for his high school, sports that have shaped his character and some of his closest relationships. Outside of organized activities he enjoys photography, music, and time with the people he cares about.

  • Alyssa Yamada

    Alyssa Yamada (she/her) is a freshman at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, where she is an active student-athlete and emerging leader passionate about teamwork and mentorship. She plays volleyball as a libero and defensive specialist for both her high school team and Legacy One Volleyball Club, balancing year-round training with academics and leadership opportunities. In middle school, she served as team captain, helping mentor and encourage her teammates while fostering a positive team environment. Alyssa also enjoys public speaking and debate, where she strengthens her communication and collaboration skills through weekly discussions and presentations. Outside of school and sports, she is a second-degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and previously worked as an assistant instructor mentoring younger students. In her free time, she enjoys creative hobbies such as acrylic nail design, LEGO builds, puzzles, and art projects. Through athletics, leadership, and mentorship, Alyssa hopes to continue building confidence in herself and others while making a positive impact in her community.

  • Krish Ananthakrishnan

    Krish Ananthakrishnan (he/him) is an exceptionally driven junior from North Carolina who has built a robust foundation for a career in medicine through hands-on experience and academic excellence. He maintains a 3.8 unweighted GPA while excelling in eight AP courses and achieving elite standardized test scores. His commitment to service is highlighted by his status as an Eagle Scout, a rank earned through eight years of leadership, fundraising, and mastering extensive wilderness survival skills. Beyond traditional academics, Krish serves as a Junior Curator at the State Museum, where he handles exotic animals and manages science exhibits, including conducting the famous roach races at Raleigh’s Bugfest. He is also a proven researcher, recently presenting original work on global food security at the 2026 North Carolina Youth Institute at NC State. On campus, he demonstrates strong leadership as a founder of the Medical Case Crackers club and a lead member of the Future City club, balancing these roles with his efforts tutoring Elementary Science Olympiad teams to victory. His diverse interests also extend to athletics and culture, evidenced by his 1st Dan black belt in Taekwondo and his Gold awards in the National German Exam. Krish further explores the intersection of his passions through his "martial medicine" podcast and clinical internships.