More than 100 students play varsity sports at Salem High School each year.

The vast majority of the school’s sports teams have won at least one state championship since 1977, with the football program leading the way with nine. This year, Spartan student-athletes will have a new coordinator of athletic training. Keith Doolan, 41, was named to the position on July 27. In addition to overseeing the Athletic Training room and staff, Doolan will also be teaching a basic athletic training class as well. “Being able to spend more time with my family and having the opportunity to make an impact on athletes, both personally and professionally, early on in their lives is what excites me most about this new opportunity,” Doolan said. “I hope through Sports Medicine I can continue to help all athletes reach their potential from the classroom to the athletic field.” Keith grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, and attended Cave Spring High School. Even then, basketball and football were his two favorite sports.

After graduation, he attended Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee, where he got his bachelors degree in Health Education. Keith then went on to complete his Masters in Health Promotion at Virginia Tech. From 1999 to 2018 Keith worked with the Hokies football team and men’s basketball team. Working with accomplished coaches like Seth Greenberg and Frank Beamer, according to Keith, taught him the value of having a great work ethic and surrounding yourself with honest people. Amy Doolan, Keith’s wife, practices Primary Care Sports Medicine at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke. The two met as graduate students at Virginia Tech and have two children together – Parker, eight, and six-year-old Maudie. All four enjoy playing a variety of sports. Of all the people that helped Keith get to where he is today, he credits his family for having the most significant impact. “I’m very fortunate to have always had a supportive family,” he said. “Everyone was on board with me taking this position which made my decision that much easier.” Keith says he knows what it takes to sustain success in sports and a big part of it is building a strong foundation.

“Being new to this area, my family and I have been impressed with how much the community supports athletics in Salem,” he said. “I look forward to working with the athletic department to educate the coaches, athletes, parents and community about sports medicine injuries and prevention.”