Thursday night lights looked a little different this fall as Hendersonville High School’s Lady Commandos took on Gallatin in the Regional Finals. With Tennessee’s new “Game of the Week” format shifting select matchups to Thursday nights, athletic coverage across the state has had to stretch further than ever. Active Sports Therapy proudly stepped up to support the Hendersonville High School soccer program, offering additional sideline care and professional coverage during this special matchup.
A Longstanding Partnership with Hendersonville Athletics
Active Sports Therapy has worked closely with local high schools for more than sixteen years, helping student-athletes stay healthy, recover faster, and return to play stronger. This commitment extends beyond the clinic and onto the field, where AST physicians regularly provide sideline care and collaborate with athletic trainers to ensure athletes receive the best support possible.
Hendersonville High School’s longtime athletic trainer, Paul Good, is at the heart of that partnership. A true cornerstone of the Hendersonville athletic community, Paul has guided generations of athletes with expertise, calmness, and compassion.
Dr. Jason Hulme, DC, DACBSP, shared: “When you’ve worked in sports medicine as long as I have, teaching courses in Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and Functional Movement Systems (FMS), you meet countless athletic trainers and healthcare providers. But athletic training is truly a calling. It’s a service profession built on sacrifice and heart. The hours are long, the gratitude is often quiet, and the commitment is immense. No one embodies that spirit better than Paul Good. His coolness under pressure, calm decision-making, and dedication to the athletes of Hendersonville are unmatched. He’s helped more local athletes pursue healthcare careers than anyone I can think of, and it’s always an honor for our team to support him in any way we can.”
Sideline Support at Plummer Field
With the Thursday night format placing additional demands on athletic staff across the region, Active Sports Therapy was honored to help fill the gap and support Hendersonville High School during this key matchup. Dr. Joel McClughen and soon-to-be Dr. Jessica Brandenburg represented AST on the sidelines at Russ Plummer Field, providing care and reassurance to players throughout the game.
Both doctors also had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with Gallatin High School’s athletic trainer, Trevor Cummins, discussing athlete health and player safety across both programs. AST was proud of the professionalism and care Trevor provides to his athletes and appreciated the collaboration between schools.
The Regional Finals proved to be an exciting matchup between two talented programs. For Hendersonville, the win was the result of hard work, resilience, and teamwork, a fitting reflection of the Lady Commandos’ season. You can read more about the game and highlights from the night in the Hendersonville Standard’s coverage of the event: Hendersonville tops Gallatin for third straight Region 6-AAA title.
Student Dr. Jessica Brandenburg’s Perspective
“It was an amazing time being right there on the sidelines, supporting the players, and helping them out,” said student Dr. Jessica Brandenburg. “It felt great to give back to the community I grew up in and be part of the local game in such a hands-on way. Just a really awesome and rewarding experience.”
Jessica’s story is an inspiring one. She’s a former Hendersonville High School student who returned years later as a student doctor completing her final clinical semester under Dr. Hulme’s supervision. Her path from local athlete to future chiropractic physician represents the next generation of healthcare leaders AST is proud to mentor and train.
Dr. Joel McClughen on Community and Teamwork
“Working the soccer game last night was such a great experience,” said Dr. Joel McClughen. “I loved getting to see our players out there doing what they love and feeling good. It was awesome to be there for reassurance or help if needed, but also to just enjoy watching them compete. Seeing their families, other patients, and members of the community out there—healthy, active, and grateful—really made me happy. And of course, it was great that HHS pulled off the win! It felt like such a good reminder that we’re part of this community and here to support them in every way we can.”
Dr. McClughen’s background in the National Guard and his years of military service have deeply shaped his approach to healthcare. He brings a disciplined, compassionate perspective to sports medicine, understanding both the physical and mental strength it takes for athletes to perform their best.
Appreciation for Coach Devin Woodard and the Lady Commandos
Active Sports Therapy extends a huge thank-you to Coach Devin Woodard, head coach of the Lady Commandos, for welcoming the AST team to the sidelines and for her leadership throughout the season. We are incredibly proud of what the Lady Commandos accomplished this year and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their success. Coach Woodard’s passion for her athletes and commitment to excellence represent everything great about Hendersonville athletics.
Community, Mentorship, and the Future of Sports Medicine
Moments like the Regional Finals remind us why we do what we do. The collaboration between coaches, athletic trainers, physicians, and student doctors reflects the heart of sports medicine, teamwork. For Dr. Hulme and the Active Sports Therapy team, being able to mentor emerging doctors like Jessica and collaborate with professionals like Joel, Paul, and Trevor represents the perfect blend of education, service, and community.
Active Sports Therapy remains committed to providing high-level chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and injury prevention for athletes of all levels in Hendersonville, Tennessee. From the sidelines to the clinic, AST will continue to support our athletes, schools, and community every step of the way.
