Jacob Pérez, MSAT, LAT, ATC, serves as the Head Athletic Trainer at Olive-Harvey College. A Certified Athletic Trainer licensed in the State of Illinois, Pérez is dedicated to providing high-quality sports medicine services that enhance student-athlete health, safety, performance, and overall well-being.
Since joining Olive-Harvey College, Pérez has played an integral role in strengthening the institution's sports medicine operations. He established and implemented athletic training policies and procedures, modernized healthcare standards within the athletics department, and continues to provide comprehensive medical coverage for NJCAA student-athletes competing across multiple sports. His commitment to patient-centered care and athlete development has helped create an environment where student-athletes can succeed both athletically and academically.
Pérez brings a diverse healthcare background with experience in NJCAA, NCAA Division I, II, and III athletics, professional sports, youth athletics, semi-professional clubs, orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation, industrial healthcare, and community-based athletic programs. Throughout his career, he has worked with organizations including Northwestern University Football, Loyola University Athletics, DePaul University Athletics, Illinois Institute of Technology Athletics, Purdue University Northwest Athletics, Rush Physical Therapy, Chicago Fire FC Youth, Berber City FC, Chicago Rugby Club, Chicago Union, Nike EYBL, and numerous other athletic organizations. He currently provides sports medicine care for Major League Baseball umpires for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox games, as well as National Basketball Association referees working Chicago Bulls games through Select Medical.
His clinical experience spans a broad range of sports and competitive levels, having provided care for athletes participating in football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, baseball, softball, tennis, swimming and diving, cross country, track and field, hockey, stunt, and professional ultimate frisbee. Working with men's and women's programs across youth, collegiate, semi-professional, and professional settings has allowed Pérez to develop a versatile approach to injury prevention, rehabilitation, emergency management, and performance optimization while meeting the unique demands of each sport and athlete population.
A Puerto Rican-American raised on the Southeast Side of Chicago, Pérez earned his Bachelor of Science in Bilingual Health Science and Master of Science in Athletic Training from Carroll University. While at Carroll, he completed extensive clinical experiences in NCAA Division I athletics, orthopedic medicine, rehabilitation, and sports performance settings, including a clinical internship with Northwestern University Football. He has also presented sports medicine research at both university and state-level conferences.
Pérez has served as an important resource for Spanish-speaking athletes, patients, and families throughout his career. His bilingual background has allowed him to help individuals overcome language barriers, better understand their healthcare and rehabilitation plans, and navigate the college experience with greater confidence. Through effective communication and culturally responsive care, he has helped foster trust among patients who may have previously faced challenges accessing or navigating the healthcare system. His ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds has strengthened patient outcomes and enhanced the overall student-athlete experience.
Passionate about serving others, Pérez believes athletics can be a powerful vehicle for personal growth, leadership development, and community impact. He remains committed to mentoring student-athletes, advancing healthcare standards, and giving back to the communities that helped shape his journey.