Valor Christian Sports Science
At Valor Christian, our Sports Science Team combines the expertise of the Sports Medicine and Performance Departments to deliver a truly integrated approach to athletic development. By working hand-in-hand, our athletic trainers, physical therapists, and strength coaches ensure that every athlete receives seamless care—whether it's recovering from injury, preventing future setbacks, or building the strength, stability, and power needed to excel in competition. This collaboration enables individualized, sport-specific programming that prioritizes both health and performance, fostering an environment where student-athletes can reach their full potential safely, effectively, and confidently.
Director of Sports Science
Matt Fredrick MS, LAT, ATC
Matt Fredrick has been a part of the Valor Christian community since 2021, serving first as the Director of Sports Medicine before transitioning into his current role as Director of Sports Science. He earned his Master's degree in Athletic Training from the University of Arkansas and completed his undergraduate studies in Kinesiology at Hope College. In addition to his athletic training and performance background, Matt is also a Certified Sports Nutrition Coach, giving him a comprehensive perspective on how training and nutrition intersect to support peak performance. Dedicated to advancing Valor's sports science initiatives, Matt is passionate about helping student-athletes reach their fullest potential both on and off the field.
Coaching & Training Philosophy
Matt believes in an innovative, data-driven approach to athlete development. By utilizing measurable metrics, his team individualizes training, monitors progression, and makes informed adjustments that maximize performance while reducing injury risk. He also emphasizes the critical role of nutrition in achieving physical potential, helping athletes understand how intentional fueling enhances both training and recovery. Collaboration is another cornerstone of his philosophy, as he values partnering with trusted local training facilities and organizations that share his commitment to excellence and the well-being of athletes. Above all, Matt's goal is to help every Valor athlete grow not only in strength and performance but also in confidence and discipline, and to become the best version of themselves.
Sports Medicine
At Valor Christian High School, our Sports Medicine Team is committed to delivering the highest level of care and support to our student-athletes. Led by Director of Sports Science Matt Fredrick, ATC, LAT, CSNC, and Sports Medicine Coordinator Callie Harper, ATC, LAT, our team works closely with athletes, coaches, and families to promote health, safety, and peak performance both on and off the field.
In addition to our full-time staff, we are blessed to have two part-time athletic trainers and a part-time physical therapist who help extend the reach of our program and ensure comprehensive coverage for our student-athletes. This collaborative approach allows us to provide prompt injury evaluation, effective treatment, and ongoing rehabilitation, while also emphasizing injury prevention and education.
- Next Era Physical Therapy is also available on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons to work with our students by appointment here at the school.
Together, our Sports Medicine Team is committed to equipping athletes with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in their sport and maintain lifelong health.
Callie Harper MS, LAT, ATC
Callie joined Valor Christian High School in 2019 as a part-time assistant athletic trainer and has since grown into her current role as Sports Medicine Coordinator and Certified Athletic Trainer. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Pre-Health emphasis from Vanguard University and her Master of Science in Athletic Training from Chapman University. Her professional background includes experience at both the high school and collegiate levels, as well as working with a cheer and dance company, where she provided emergency medical care during summer camps. These diverse opportunities have equipped her with the knowledge and skills to care for athletes across a wide range of sports and activities. Callie has a deep desire to meet student-athletes where they are and to walk with them through their high school years. Her passion goes beyond sports medicine—she is committed to supporting students as whole individuals, encouraging them in times of challenge, celebrating their victories, and fostering an environment where Valor Christian athletes can thrive both on and off the field.
Listed below are the medical professionals who Valor Christian has developed a relationship with to assist in the comprehensive care of our student-athletes. Matt Fredrick and his staff can refer your athlete to the appropriate member of the medical staff if deemed necessary.Â
Dr. Patrick McNair
Dr. Patrick McNair is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in the care of athletes of all sports and ages. He is fellowship trained in both Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Traumatology. He has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of athletes ranging from international, professional, collegiate, and high school ranks. He practices with Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center in Littleton.
Dr. Thomas Noonan
Dr. Noonan is a physician at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver, where he specializes in the treatment of shoulder, elbow, and knee disorders. He is also skilled in the evaluation of general orthopedic problems such as fractures and ankle sprains. He is the Head Team Physician for the Colorado Rockies major league baseball team. Dr. Noonan and his wife live in Denver with their two daughters.
Performance
The Performance program at Valor Christian High School is committed to developing strong, resilient, and explosive athletes who are prepared to excel in their sport and beyond. Led by Director of Sports Science Matt Fredrick and full-time strength and conditioning coaches Erika Heckman and Kyle Hogwood, along with the support of part-time strength coaches, our team provides comprehensive training that is both individualized and sport-specific.
Our philosophy centers on building a foundation of strength and stability to reduce the risk of injury, while also developing the power and explosiveness athletes need to perform at the highest level. Every sport at Valor receives its own tailored program, ensuring that each athlete's training aligns with the unique demands of their sport.
Through an intentional focus on injury prevention, performance optimization, and long-term athletic development, the Performance program equips Valor Christian athletes with the tools to succeed in their sport, while preparing them for a lifetime of health and physical excellence.
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Erika Heckman
Appointed in 2018, Coach Erika Heckman has experience working with athletes of all ages and skill levels. During her internship with Acceleration Sports Performance, she learned the art of sprint mechanics and how to coach athletes to run effectively. Prior to Valor Christian, she worked with Velocity Sports Performance, where she had the pleasure of training professional athletes in various sports and assisting them in preparing for the NFL Combine. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Erika is the oldest of 3 siblings. During the summer, she enjoys country music concerts, and during the winter, she skis as much as possible.
Kyle Hogwood
Appointed in the fall of 2025, Coach Kyle Hogwood brings a strong background in exercise physiology, earning his degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a focus on strength and conditioning. He has worked with several collegiate athletic programs and completed internships with 15 college teams. A former collegiate baseball player and academic award winner, Kyle values the balance between academics and athletics. He is passionate about supporting student-athletes in their physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth.
