Charlotte Hornets’ VP of health and performance is changing roles. Here’s why
An unexpected change is happening.
Five months after officially being named vice president of the Charlotte Hornets’ new health and performance department, Trent Salo has decided to shift into a different role within the organization..
In a social media post on Tuesday announcing the move, Salo said he had to leave Charlotte to go back to his home state Michigan to be closer to family.
“After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to transition from my full-time role with the Hornets to a consulting position and return to Michigan due to a family matter,” Salo wrote in an on his Instagram story. “I am deeply grateful to Jeff (Peterson, Hornets president of basketball operations), Charles (Lee, head coach) and Hornets’ ownership for their unwavering support and understanding during this challenging time.
“It has been an honor to work alongside such talented players and staff, and I am confident the organization is on a promising path to sustainable success.”
Hired by Charlotte following seven years with the Detroit Pistons, which included serving as the senior director of athletic performance in his final two seasons with the organization, Salo was in charge of the Hornets’ 10-person staff dedicated to curtailing the team’s injury woes over the past few seasons.
Salo’s extensive background led to the Hornets tabbing him during their search over the summer. He began his NBA career in 2017 as the strength and conditioning coach for the Grand Rapids Drive, the Denver Nuggets’ NBA G League affiliate.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Trent for his dedication and hard work during his time with us, as well as his willingness to continue to serve as a consultant,” Peterson, the Hornets’ executive vice president of basketball operations, said in a statement. “His efforts have been instrumental in helping us build a world-class performance team.
“As we look ahead, we have full confidence in the exceptional talent, expertise, and commitment of our performance team. We have the utmost confidence they will continue to deliver outstanding care and treatment for our players.”
Staff-wise, the Hornets’ health and performance department will remain the same and no one is moving into Salo’s former position.
Quinton Sawyer is head athletic trainer and Pete Elliott serves as the associate head trainer. There’s also director of sports medicine Matthew Tuttle, director of athletic performance Bryce Daub and director of performance psychology and wellness Rachel Webb.
Rounding out the department: head athletic performance coach Anthony Berry, head of rehabilitation Harrison Herman, performance dietician Oluremi Famodu-Jackson, physical therapist Cassidy Papa and senior performance and developmental scientist Harjiv Singh.
