North Oaks Sports Performance: A "Different" Approach to Healthcare

Helping to strengthen our community's student-athletes—physically and mentally

"Everything we do is DIFFERENT," explains Akeem Robinson. Robinson is the supervisor of North Oaks Sports Performance, an innovative community health initiative for student-athletes designed to improve athleticism, reduce injuries and focus on character development.

Robinson, a nationally Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, took the helm of the sports performance program last year as part of North Oaks' orthopedic service line. Since then, he and his team have strived to strengthen student-athletes—physically and mentally—throughout Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes.

North Oaks Sports Performance works with local high school athletic programs free of charge. They work hand-in-hand with coaching and training staff to enhance their team's athletic performance in the areas of agility, durability, flexibility, mobility, power, strength and speed, as well as critical thinking and coping skills.

The sports performance team also trains student-athletes in recreational sports through a partnership with Chappapeela Sports Park (CSP) and recently developed a new sports performance facility to reach even more young athletes.

The North Oaks Sports Performance team has tripled in size since its inception in 2020. Currently, they work with 11 local high schools—including the Ponchatoula Lady Wave state basketball champions—and train more than 30 members at CSP.

Robinson notes, "The biggest takeaway we hope to instill in our athletes is to be better men and women. Sports is the platform we use to help improve their physical abilities and teach invaluable life skills applicable to every age and skill level.

Our approach to the mind and body helps students build a healthy foundation. We incorporate lessons from leadership skills to teamwork, proper nutrition and hydration and how to communicate. It's easy to pick up a weight, but teaching them the proper way and why they are doing it, that's where the actual learning and understanding happens."

The highly unique aspect of North Oaks Sports Performance is that it operates under the umbrella of North Oaks Health System's extensive service offerings, providing a full continuum of care for student-athletes.

"Our goal is to get young men and women to the next level of their fitness goals, no matter what that means or looks like, and we can provide start-to-finish training and care in real-time. We serve as trusted advocates for each student-athlete's well-being and can connect them to orthopedic and sports medicine specialists, registered dieticians, mental wellness providers and any other healthcare services they may need throughout their journey," says Robinson.

"North Oaks is changing the narrative for healthcare services in our area and leading the way for early, proactive care for young people—and I'm honored to be a part of it. We're not just here when things go wrong, or you're hurt or sick. We're engrained in this community and always working on the sidelines to help people stay active and lead healthier lifestyles."

Gina McAndrew affirms, "My daughter Mary-Kate has enjoyed sports since a young age. She's been active in competitive gymnastics and, more recently, in basketball and soccer. We enrolled her in North Oaks Sports Performance when she expressed interest in strength/weight training.

Being she was young, we felt it was important she learn proper form and technique. Derek, her trainer, set individualized goals for her each week based on her progress and ability. She was always excited when she reached new goals. She loves being pushed to new levels, and this program does just that!

I would absolutely recommend North Oaks Sports Performance to any student-athlete interested in strength training. It's a great place to start or further develop."

If you or your team is interested in learning more about North Oaks Sports Performance, visit www.northoaks.org/sportsperformance.