Shannon Colleton DPT ’21
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team Physical Therapist 

BY MICHELLE McCARTHY

JUST FOUR YEARS AFTER EARNING her doctor of physical therapy degree from USC, Shannon Colleton is already traveling the world as a full-time sports physical therapist with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. Working with the Women’s Alpine Team, she spends months on the road supporting elite athletes through demanding training blocks, international competitions and soon — the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. We spoke with the lifelong skier from Lake Tahoe, Calif., about how she got here, what her work looks like and what she’s learned along the way.

How did you get connected with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team?

I was working at a certified center of excellence that collaborates with U.S. Ski Team physicians. I signed up for the team’s Medical Emergencies in Skiing & Snowboarding course in Park City. I saw a job posting for a full-time physical therapist, and the timing was perfect. I applied, interviewed, met the staff at the course and went on a trial training camp in Chile. After two successful trips, they offered me the Alpine position. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

My days start around 5 a.m. If an athlete needs activation work or a quick tune-up, I’ll see them before we head to the chairlift around 6:15. I coordinate our rotating physician coverage and manage medical logistics. On the hill, I run the start gate, which includes timing, safety checks, radios, GPS tracking and clearing the course. We’re usually on the snow for four to six hours. After lunch, I spend the afternoon treating athletes. Then we have our team meeting and dinner. Sometimes, I’ll do another treatment session before bed. They’re long days, but I really enjoy them.

How do you help keep the athletes in top physical shape?

I focus on individualized treatment, everything from return-to-snow rehab after surgery to refining small performance details. These athletes know their bodies extremely well, so listening to their input is important. A lot of my work is problem-solving: breaking down movement patterns, recognizing compensations and helping them stay healthy through a long season.

How did USC prepare you for this career?

USC was my dream school, and I still remember how excited I was when I got accepted. The alumni network, the sports reputation and the research-driven curriculum all stood out. USC emphasized individualized, evidence-based care and encouraged us to approach problems from multiple angles. Being around faculty who are leaders in the field was incredibly valuable. As a first-generation college student, earning my degree there meant a lot.

What’s the most surprising part of working with an Olympic team?

That elite athletes can still have the same challenges as anyone else in physical therapy. Anatomy and movement patterns don’t change; they’re just extremely good at compensating when something’s off.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I don’t have much free time, but I love running because I can do it anywhere. Traveling through Europe has been amazing, and Cortina is one of my favorite places to run because of the trails and the views of the Dolomites.

ILLUSTRATION: JAYA NICELY