Dr. Ellie Somers

MY STORY

As a high school soccer player, I tore my ACL and quickly learned of the benefits of performance-based rehabilitation and injury risk reduction for young female athletes.

My early rehab experience was difficult. So difficult, in fact, that I fired my physical therapist in lieu of working with an athletic trainer.

I fired my physical therapist because he didn’t listen to me, to my goals, to my dreams for my season that year and as a result, didn’t push me as hard as I knew I could be pushed.

NOW I’M THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST AND IT IS MY MISSION TO HELP ATHLETES ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS AND STAY INVOLVED IN SPORT.

I went on to pursue my education at Saint Louis University where I played division I soccer and graduated with my Bachelors of Exercise Science, Masters of Physical Therapy and Doctorate of Physical Therapy degrees.

I am now the physical therapist for the United States Women’s National Australian Rules Football team and work closely with recreational and elite level athletes in a capacity to keep them healthy and working towards their goals.

Professional Experience

  • Degrees: Bachelors in Science in Exercise Science, Masters of Physical Therapy, Doctorate of Physical Therapy
  • Team Physical Therapist for the Women’s United States Australian Rules Football Team: The Freedom
  • Former Division I soccer player for Saint Louis University
  • USATF L1 Certified Run Coach
  • USAW L1 Certified Weightlifting Coach
  • Licensed Physical Therapist in Washington State
  • Clinical Research Physical Therapist for a study on concussion with Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Personal Experience

I’m a driven wolf who has found herself consistently conflicted with the patriarchal notion that there’s “no such thing as balance” and that you have to run yourself into the ground to “get ahead.” I love my work and am lucky enough (privileged enough) to be in a position to help people and hope that the privilege I have can be used to elevate womxn like no one else does in my industries. When I’m trying to shut down my proverbial “go” button, I’m running, playing soccer (before covid anyway), lifting weights, hanging with my bois (the dogs and my incredible partner Elliot), or just watching some mindless television. I’m particularly fond of Schitt$ Creek, Parks and Rec, Insecure, and Grey’s Anatomy (omg, I’m cringing writing that out, but I can’t help it, it’s nostalgic for my college years).