Fit for the Field
One of Springfield’s newest physical therapy clinics aims to turn high-school athletes into pros—or at least work out like them.
Tara Bailes is quite the athlete. Picked as an all-state soccer player every year at Springfield Catholic High School, she now serves as the forward on Missouri State’s women’s soccer team. Yet despite her accomplishments, even exceptional athletes like Bailes need to train hard, which is why she spends the off-season and all of her college breaks running drills and lifting weights with Cory Carr, owner of Integrity Athletic Performance and Physical Therapy.
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| Athletic Performance Facility 3105 E Elm, Suite E Springfield, MO 65802 Physical Therapy Clinic 2960 N Eastgate Springfield, MO 65803 Mailing Address: 795 N Summercreek Court Springfield, MO 65802 Phone: 417-889-9773 | |
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When Bailes switched positions from playing midfield in high school to becoming the forward at MSU, Carr spent hours coaching Bailes on proper techniques and speed training. “My coach mentioned that he noticed my first few steps in my sprints were quicker,” says Bailes. “It’s always a good thing when your coach notices that.”
Bailes has been training with Carr since high school, During his time as a coach at the Springfield Soccer Club, Carr was named the Coach of the Year for 2007, and his team ranked No. 1 in 2008 and won two state championships in a row—a first for Springfield. But Carr knew that coaching during the soccer season could only get him so far, so Carr and his wife, Jill, opened the clinic in November 2008. The Houston native, who was recruited to Missouri State’s men’s soccer team in 1994, served as the director of Integrity Home Care, and he approached the owners about opening a physical therapy center at the end of the building. The owners agreed, and seven months later, Carr and Jill took ownership of the clinic. “I didn’t always want to own a clinic,” says Carr. “I’ve always loved to treat patients, but the business side frightened me.” Lucky for Carr, Jill is a certified public accountant and manages the financial aspect of the business.
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Carr, a former Division 1 soccer athlete and National High School All-American, knew he wanted to focus on training young athletes. And according to Bailes, his experience helps him provide training for those going through the same process, whether they are aiming to earn an athletic scholarship, a spot on varsity or just improving their game. “It was always my ultimate goal to play college soccer,” says Bailes.
“Cory helped take my game to the next level and made sure I was ready for the college game, which was so much faster and explosive. Cory’s been through it and knows what everyone needs to work on and be ready for.”
On the physical therapy side, Carr treats six to 10 patients a day, ranging from individuals with physiological issues to neurological problems. The clinic inside Integrity Home Care houses a slew of treadmills and exercise equipment, and Carr spends the majority of the day there. In the late afternoon, once school lets out, Carr drives to the clinic’s athletic performance building on Elm Street, where high school and college athletes come to lift weights, practice in one of the two indoor soccer fields or take one of the fitness classes. Although the majority of athletes are soccer players, Carr’s classes and training encompasses all sports, focusing on improving speed, power, agility, coordination, balance and strength. Those interested only in soccer take monthly tests to track their progress, and parents are e-mailed the results. Parts of the tests include ball striking, creative dribbling, upper and lower body weight training, nutrition, sprinting speed and injury prevention. And for all athletes, Carr holds group classes, which are loosely divided by age and skill level. The beginner class is for 6- to 10-year-olds, the intermediate class for 12- to 14-year olds, the high school–level class for kids 15 and up and the college prep program is for high school athletes aiming to earn a college scholarship. The classes build on soccer fundamentals and help prepare athletes for the next step. And for those just looking to get in shape, Carr offers an adult class, which encompasses stretching, cardio and strength training. Carr noticed that many of his athlete’s parents were looking for a quick and effective workout, so he opened the adult class three times a week. “I’m just passionate about seeing people healthy and fit,” says Carr. “It feels good to see people get stronger.”
With Carr’s dedication to helping future athletes like Bailes, Springfield is certain to see plenty of college-worthy athletes in 417-land, where the soccer culture has grown considerably during the past decade.
