Skylar Richards (he/ him)

Skylar Richards is a certified athletic trainer and sports scientist with over 20 years of experience in professional soccer and elite sports. He currently serves as Director of Performance Health and Wellness of Aquilo Sports, leading a multidisciplinary team that integrates technology and evidence-based practices to optimize athlete care, injury prevention, and physiological performance.

With 15 years in professional sports, Richards has developed programs that unify sports medicine, exercise science, and technology. He manages diverse teams including athletic trainers, sports nutritionists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and sports scientists to enhance athlete outcomes through collaboration.

In Major League Soccer, Richards cultivated a passion for innovative recovery strategies and physiological monitoring. In 2015, he organized partnerships to open the first U.S. professional soccer recovery lab, advancing science and technology in athlete recovery.

A co-founder of a sports technology company and advisor to multiple services, Richards pursues a PhD in Orthopedic Sports Science while consulting for AdvoCare, Orlando Health, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, and Orlando City SC. He has advised FormSense and Kenzen on metric development and UI/UX, and lectured on technology applications at conferences.

His experience includes Lead Exercise Physiologist and Product Designer at Physmodo and membership on the Public Relations Committee of the Professional Sports Athletic Trainers Society (PSATS).

Richards holds a PhD in Orthopedic Sports Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, an M.S. in Exercise Physiology from The University of Akron, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Athletic Training from University of Evansville. Certifications include Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), Functional Movement Systems (FMS), National Athletic Trainers’ Association Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), and Certified Massage Therapist.

He collaborates with Jennifer Jones, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance at Auburn University, and reports to Murphy Grant, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance & Student Athlete Wellness at Wake Forest University.

Committed to advancing the field, Richards mentors emerging sports medicine professionals and contributes to education, applied research, and leadership in multidisciplinary athlete care.