The University of South Carolina Upstate and Sherman College of Chiropractic have formalized a partnership that brings chiropractic care to Spartan student-athletes while expanding clinical training opportunities for Sherman interns.
Through the collaboration, Sherman College Chiropractic Center interns, under the supervision of Dr. Michael L. Tomasello, associate professor of clinical sciences and Sherman’s Case Doctor for Sports Outreach, will visit USC Upstate regularly to provide chiropractic care to student-athletes. Regular chiropractic care is used to help athletes improve function, increase mobility, and support recovery from injuries.
The agreement was officially signed by Sherman College President Dr. Jack Bourla and USC Upstate Chancellor Dr. Bennie L. Harris, marking a milestone in collaboration between the two Spartanburg-based institutions.
“This partnership is a win-win,” said Dr. Jack Bourla, president of Sherman College. “Our interns gain valuable, hands-on experience working in a dynamic collegiate athletic environment, while USC Upstate’s student-athletes receive the benefits of regular chiropractic care to support their performance, recovery, and overall well-being.”
USC Upstate Chancellor Dr. Bennie L. Harris said the agreement aligns with the university’s mission.
“At USC Upstate, we are committed to helping our students reach their highest potential—academically, personally, and athletically,” Dr. Harris said. “Partnering with Sherman College adds another important layer of support for our student-athletes’ health and performance, while also enriching the learning experience for Sherman interns. It’s a true community partnership in action.”
USC Upstate Director of Athletics and Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Matthew D. Martin said the collaboration will strengthen support for athletes.
“Our athletes put tremendous effort into representing USC Upstate at the highest level,” Martin said. “Having Sherman College’s chiropractic interns as part of our wellness team helps ensure they can train and compete safely, recover faster, and maintain peak performance.”
Dr. Tomasello said the experience is an important training opportunity for Sherman students.
“This experience bridges the classroom and the Chiropractic Center,” he said. “Our interns learn how to apply chiropractic principles in a real-world sports setting, working directly with athletes and coaches, under the watchful eye of licensed Sherman faculty. The lessons they take from these experiences are invaluable as they prepare to become doctors of chiropractic managing their own practices.”
The partnership reflects both institutions’ shared dedication to education, health, and community collaboration — benefiting students and the broader Spartanburg region.
More photos can be found on USC Upstate and Sherman College’s Flickr albums.