San Francisco (July 14, 2026) — After supporting student-athletes at twenty local high schools throughout the 2025–26 academic year, the UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program concluded its 23rd season of providing athletic training, physician coverage, and sports medicine services to local schools.
“Supporting our local high school athletes by providing the care they need to safely participate in sports is incredibly rewarding,” said Dr. Celina de Borja, Medical Director for the PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program. “We know these student-athletes want to give their best every time they step onto the field or court. Whether they’re concerned about shoulder pain or wondering if a cut on their foot needs medical attention, our athletic trainers are a trusted resource who help them stay healthy and in the game. As a physician, I have the privilege of being at many of these events and seeing their growth firsthand. Watching our program make a meaningful difference in these students’ health, confidence, and ability to keep doing what they love is truly priceless.”
Each spring, the CIF San Francisco section baseball playoffs are held at Oracle Park, where UCSF PlaySafe provides medical coverage. The high school athletes are always appreciative of the opportunity to play at a professional stadium. This year’s baseball playoff game was played between Lowell High School and Lincoln High School on May 15, 2026. The winner was Lowell High School.
In addition to baseball, other spring sports include flag football, golf, lacrosse, softball, swimming, tennis, and track and field. The outreach program serves twenty high schools, providing athletic training services, physician event coverage, and a direct connection to healthcare for student-athletes participating in high school athletics. The mission of the UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program is to provide a safe and positive environment for athletic pursuits, to facilitate access to the highest quality sports medicine care, and to encourage physical and mental growth by empowering student-athletes to lead balanced, physically active lifestyles. A UCSF athletic trainer is paired with a high school to provide onsite coverage throughout the week. A UCSF physician is onsite during specified games and events throughout the school year.
“We are proud of the way UCSF PlaySafe has integrated with our San Francisco community,” said Michael Mayes, Manager for the UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program. “It’s not just helping the student-athletes with their sports. It’s also being there when they have a question about working out, nutrition, or general health questions. We’re proud of the trust we’ve fostered to continue these relationships with the schools.”
The twenty schools supported by the program are Balboa High School, Burton High School, Convent and Stuart Hall, Galileo High School, George Washington High School, Junípero Serra High School, Lincoln High School, Lowell High School, Lick- Wilmerding High School, Marshall High School, Mercy High School, Mission High School, O'Connell Technical High School, Redwood High School, Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Saint Ignatius College Preparatory, San Francisco International, Urban School of San Francisco, and Wallenberg High School.
