Life & Work with Kelly Ellis of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Ellis.

Hi Kelly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Kelly S. Ellis and I am the owner of Game Changer Sports Medicine, LLC. I graduated in 2015 from Florida International University in Miami, FL where I received my Master’s Degree in Athletic Training. I also received my Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Health Science from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA and an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Athens Technical College in Athens, GA.

I currently assist with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, taking care of the officials on game days. During the off season, I work with the NBA players on rehab and recovery to help them maintain fitness and prepare for their upcoming season.

In 2018, I was part of a pilot program, becoming the Director of Rehab for the Chinese Olympic Speed Skating Team, and living overseas in China and Canada for a year. I also worked at Clark Atlanta University, the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, the NBPA’s Top 50 HBCU Camp, Canadian Football League, All-American Basketball Camps, New Balance Baseball Training Camp, Nike Basketball Tournament of Champions, and Nascar. After living in China and Canada for a year, I then completed 5 seasons with the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters as the Head Athletic Trainer. During that time, I traveled to over 35 countries and 47 states in the US.

After 5 seasons with the Globetrotters, I was able to slow down and focus on the goals I wanted to achieve professionally. In January 2025, I developed the Kelly S. Ellis Athletic Training Scholarship for students currently enrolled in a graduate degree athletic training program. I also developed the Athletic Training Skills Camp to help teach students in athletic training, basic skills to help them be better student athletic trainers in school and to help ignite a passion for the career. In March of 2025, Game Changer Sports Medicine came to fruition to help provide affordable athletic training services to any population and is thriving a year later!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty.” I think when there are struggles along the way, it makes you appreciate things more once you achieve the goal! To start my company, I had no idea about business or marketing tools, just athletic training/ sports medicine and networking. So any project I take on, I make sure to study as much as I can to help better myself. So I knew I had to start learning about how to market my brand better. I would study analytics and trends for social media, I make sure to join webinars that teach me about building my company and becoming even more successful. In between work shifts, I made sure to fit in at least one goal to achieve each week that would help improve Game Changer Sports Medicine. I’ve also learned that partnerships plays a huge role in building your brand and so I’m happy to announce that I will be a vendor this year at the NBA’s Summer League!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Game Changer Sports Medicine provides athletic training, injury prevention, rehabilitation, sports performance support, and medical coverage for athletes, teams, tournaments, and sporting events. We specialize in delivering high-quality sports medicine services both on and off the field, helping athletes stay healthy, recover safely, and perform at their best.

Game Changer Sports Medicine is known for bringing professional-level sports medicine care directly to the communities, organizations, and athletes we serve. My services include event medical coverage, injury evaluations, rehabilitation programming, taping and bracing, recovery services, and educational workshops for athletes, coaches, and parents. I also provide concierge services in which I can travel to your location of choice.

What I am most proud of is my commitment to making sports medicine accessible. Many athletes do not have consistent access to athletic trainers or injury management resources, and my mission is to bridge that gap through exceptional care, education, and community partnerships.

What sets Game Changer Sports Medicine apart is our personalized, athlete-centered approach. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every athlete, organization, and event receives customized support tailored to their specific needs. I combine clinical expertise with genuine relationship-building, creating a trusted resource for athletes and sports organizations alike. The focus is not only on treating injuries but also on preventing them, educating athletes, and helping them achieve long-term success both in sport and in life.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that relationships matter more than transactions. Early on, I thought success would come primarily from having the right services, certifications, or marketing strategy. While those things are important, I’ve learned that trust, consistency, and genuine connections are what truly create opportunities and long-term growth.

Building Game Changer Sports Medicine has taught me that showing up, providing value, and serving others with excellence often leads to opportunities that money can’t buy. Whether it’s supporting athletes, partnering with organizations, or connecting with community leaders, people remember how you made them feel and whether they can depend on you.

I’ve also learned the importance of patience and persistence. Building something meaningful takes time. Growth doesn’t always happen as quickly as we’d like, but staying committed to the mission, continuing to improve, and remaining adaptable has helped me keep moving forward even during challenges. Make sure to celebrate even the small “wins” and use it as motivation to keep pushing even on the challenging days.

Ultimately, the journey has reinforced that success isn’t just about business growth—it’s about the impact you make on the people and communities you serve. That’s the foundation of everything I do at Game Changer Sports Medicine.

Lastly, don’t limit yourself. I took risks with my career and it has worked out well for me (I think)! I wouldn’t have lived overseas or traveled the world if I didn’t take that leap!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gamechangersportsmed.com
• Instagram: GameChangerSM
• Facebook: Game Changer Sports Medicine
• Other: gamechangersportsmedicine@gmail.com