Francesco Virgilio

My interest in sports health and performance started as a high school athlete in football and track. After spending plenty of time in the training room dealing with injuries, I became determined to better understand the body and how athletes can stay healthy, durable, and performing at their best.

I studied pre-medicine and kinesiology with an emphasis in physical therapy and strength and conditioning while competing in both football and track. After graduating, I began working with elite athletes at EXOS, supporting NFL players, top NFL Draft prospects, and Olympic and Paralympic athletes in high-performance training environments. During that time, I also worked as a strength and conditioning coach for professional MMA fighters competing in the UFC and Bellator, where I learned firsthand how critical recovery and long-term durability are at the highest levels of sport.

When COVID disrupted the sports world, I returned to school and earned my master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University. As a certified athletic trainer, I worked with athletes at San Diego State University and Point Loma Nazarene University while gaining clinical experience alongside leading orthopedic surgeons, including the former team surgeon for the Chargers(a world renowned ACL repair specialist, who also fixed my knee) and upper extremity specialists who currently treat the San Diego Padres.

I believe health and performance exist on a spectrum. With the right training, recovery, and guidance, the body is capable of remarkable things, and many injuries can be prevented or managed without surgery. When surgery is necessary, the goal is always to help athletes return to sport as strong—or stronger—than before. While covering athletic events through KORT Physical Therapy, I discovered W. E. B. DuBois Academy and immediately connected with the school’s mission and sense of brotherhood. Being part of this community and helping build a strong athletic training and sports medicine program here is something I’m proud to be a part of, and I’m excited about what the future holds for our athletes.