HAMMOND, Ind. – Purdue University Northwest, which enters its fifth year in NCAA Division II in 2021-22, is excited to announce RUSH Physical Therapy as the official physical therapy and athletic training partner of Pride Athletics. Highlighting the partnership, the softball field at Dowling Park – home of the PNW softball program – will be named RUSH Physical Therapy Field.
 
The softball field naming rights is an extension of RUSH Physical Therapy's increased involvement with PNW Pride Athletics. This collaboration includes RUSH Physical Therapy operating a physical therapy center at the PNW Fitness & Recreation Center which is conveniently located for Pride students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community. A grand opening of the physical therapy center is scheduled for Fall 2021.
 
"We are extremely proud and excited to announce our naming rights agreement with RUSH Physical Therapy," said Rick Costello, PNW Director of Athletics. "Our expanded partnership with RUSH aligns our two organizations and improves the strong, long-standing relationship with the local community by supporting lasting health and wellness programs on our campus. We are excited for the new opportunities this partnership will provide."
 
RUSH Physical Therapy is a community-based provider of outpatient physical rehabilitation throughout greater Chicagoland and northwest Indiana.
 
"We are proud to be a leader in physical therapy and athletic training and committed to providing clinical and service excellence to PNW Pride athletes," said Kristin Burda, P.T., DPT, RUSH Physical Therapy Vice President of Operations. "Our center on campus is accessible to not only student-athletes, but to the greater community as well. Providing the naming rights for Dowling Park is an exciting way to partner with PNW and to let our neighbors know we are here to help them heal, recover and improve their quality of life."
 
Dowling Park opened in 2015 and provides a comprehensive outdoor sports complex for both PNW Pride Athletics and the City of Hammond Parks & Recreation Department. Located just north of I80-94 on Kennedy Avenue, the softball field debuted in Spring 2015 as the official home of PNW Softball. The field features an all-turf surface making it playable year-round.
 
About RUSH Physical Therapy
RUSH Physical Therapy is part of the Select Medical Outpatient Division family of brands and a joint venture relationship between Select and Rush University System for Health (RUSH).
 
Throughout the country, the Select Medical family of brands comprise a national network of more than 1,800 centers in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Select Medical empowers its therapists by providing industry-leading continuing education opportunities. Select Medical's Outpatient Division provides physical therapy and athletic training services to professional sports teams, colleges, universities and high schools and serves as the exclusive physical rehabilitation provider to several major U.S. corporations.
 
RUSH brings together the brightest minds in medicine, research and academics. Driven by discovery, innovation and a deep responsibility for the health of our communities, RUSH is national leader in outstanding patient care, education, research, community partnerships and empowering a generation of health care providers. RUSH includes Rush University Medical Center, Rush University, Rush Copley Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital, as well as an extensive providers network. Rush University comprises four colleges: Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College.
 
About Purdue University Northwest Athletics
Purdue Northwest Athletics consists of 300 student athletes and 15 sports and is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and NCAA Division II. Known as the Pride, intercollegiate athletic teams are fielded in men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's tennis, women's volleyball, men's and women's golf, softball and baseball. New to PNW are Esports and Men's Ice Hockey. Esports is affiliated with the Midwest Esports Conference (MEC) and Men's Ice Hockey is affiliated with the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Purdue Northwest has recently developed new basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, baseball, tennis, esports and ice hockey facilities. For more information on the Purdue University Northwest Athletics program please go to www.PNWathletics.com.