Dennis Coonan, MSE, LAT, ATC, brings over 25 years of athletic training experience to his role as Manager of the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado. In this capacity, he directs daily operations, long-range program development, and the professional growth of a team of more than 75 athletic trainers and sports dietitians. Throughout his career, Dennis has consistently advanced patient care and staff development, from launching electronic medical record systems and negotiating equity pay initiatives to mentoring young professionals entering the field. His career path spans high schools, collegiate athletics, and physician practices, with leadership roles at the University of Kansas, University of the Pacific, Florida International University, and Miami Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. A recognized thought leader, Dennis has presented at local, regional, and national conferences on topics ranging from risky throwing mechanics in youth athletes, emergency scenarios, catastrophic injury management, and return-to-sport planning. He is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, serving on both the Convention Program Committee and the ATs Care Critical Response Team. Dennis completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State University and graduate work at the University of Kansas. He and his wife Chris along with daughter Callie currently reside in Castle Rock, CO.
