CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Performance & Sports Medicine Staff
Spectrum Center · Charlotte, NC ·
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Patrick Chasse
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Pete Elliott
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Harrison Herman
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Kaden Hersel
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Rory Lavery
Patrick Chasse
VP of Medical and Performance
🎓 Education: Marist College (B.S.); University of Hartford (DPT)
📍 Hometown: Berlin, CT
🏀 NBATA Member Since: 2020
ABOUT PATRICK
Patrick Chasse joined the Charlotte Hornets in June 2025 as the VP of Medical and Performance. Chasse was previously with the Boston Celtics from 2020-2025 as Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer. After graduating from Marist College in 2009 with a degree in Athletic Training, he attended the University of Hartford where he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2012. While in graduate school Chasse served as an athletic trainer for the University High School of Science and Engineering.
Following PT school, he spent the next several years working in orthopedic sports medicine settings as a physical therapist and outreach athletic trainer. In 2015-2016 Chasse received further training at Duke University completing their Division I Sports Physical Therapy Fellowship. He stayed on staff after fellowship working with Duke’s Baseball and Women’s Basketball programs. While at Duke he was an adjunct faculty member for the Physician Assistant Program, published research, and contracted part-time with USA Baseball.
Prior to joining the Celtics, Chasse spent 4 years with the Toronto Blue Jays, serving in roles as the Rehabilitation Coordinator (2017-2018) and as Medical Coordinator (2019-2020). In addition to holding licenses as a physical therapist and certified athletic trainer, Chasse is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA, board certified in sports physical therapy (SCS), and board certified in orthopedic physical therapy (OCS) both through the ABPTS.
Pat and his wife Liz reside in Charlotte, North Carolina with their sons Jameson, Theo, and Isaiah.
Pete Elliott
Head Athletic Trainer
🎓Education: Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus (M.S.);
University of Vermont (B.S.)
📍 Hometown: Cleveland, OH
🏀 NBATA Member Since: 2018
ABOUT PETE
Pete Elliott was elevated to Head Athletic Trainer in 2025 after joining the Charlotte Hornets the prior year. Prior to joining the Hornets, Elliott served three seasons as Head Athletic Trainer for the Memphis Grizzlies after three seasons as Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Detroit Pistons. Previously, he spent a season as Head Athletic Trainer for the Erie Bayhawks in the NBA G-League, as well as a year as an intern Athletic Trainer for the Brooklyn and Long Island Nets.
Elliott is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), as well as a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES). He is a 2010 graduate of the University of Vermont with a Bachelor’s of Athletic Training, and a 2017 graduate of Long Island University Brooklyn with a Master’s of Exercise Science.
Elliott lives in Charlotte with his wife and dog. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, playing guitar, and seeking out great restaurants on the road.
Phil earned a Bachelor of Science in human biology from SUNY Oneonta in 2017 and a dual degree of Bachelor/Master of Science from Long Island University in athletic training in 2019. Became certified as an Athletic Trainer in 2020 and a Corrective Exercise Specialist through the NASM in 2019.
Harrison Herman
Head of Rehabilitation/ Assistant Athletic Trainer
🎓 Education: Long Island University (B.S., M.S.); University of Delaware (B.S., M.S., DPT)
📍 Hometown: New City, NY
🏀 NBATA Member Since: 2020
ABOUT HARRISON
Harrison Herman is the Head of Rehabilitation and Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Charlotte Hornets, having joined the organization in 2024. Prior to joining the Hornets, he worked as Rehabilitation Coordinator and Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Detroit Pistons for 3 seasons, and as Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Brooklyn Nets for 1 season.
Harrison has had a wide variety of experiences working in outpatient rehabilitation clinics, including the Hospital for Special Surgery’s Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center as well as in an intern role with professional and collegiate sports teams, including the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Columbia University.
Harrison earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercises Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology, his Master of Science in Anatomy and Clinical Health Science, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Athletic Training from Long Island University: Brooklyn Campus.
He is a dual-certified physical therapist and athletic trainer in addition to being a board-certified specialist in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy through the ABPTS and a certified strength and conditioning specialist by the NSCA. Currently, Harrison is a Fellow in Training through the Bellin College/Evidence in Motion Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship.
Harrison resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kaden Hersel
Assistant Athletic Trainer/ Physical Therapist
🎓 Education: Washington State University (B.S); University of New England (DPT)
📍 Hometown: Wenatchee, Washington
🏀 NBATA Member Since: 2026
ABOUT KADEN
Kaden joined the Charlotte Hornets in the summer of 2026.
Prior to joining the Hornets, Kaden worked as an athletic trainer at the University of New England and Poland High School while pursuing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. His final clinical rotation was with UCLA Athletics, where he gained experience working with collegiate athletes across a variety of sports. Following graduate school, Kaden served as a Seasonal Assistant Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist with the San Francisco 49ers.
Before joining the Hornets, Kaden worked at PRO SPORT, a sports medicine clinic near Seattle, Washington, with a strong focus on tactical athletes, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMTs.
Kaden earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of New England in Portland, Maine. In addition to being a certified athletic trainer and physical therapist, Kaden is a Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
Kaden resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife, Shelby, and their daughter, Isla. Outside of work, Kaden and his family enjoy spending time at the beach, exploring new places, and making memories together at the playground.
Rory Lavery
Assistant Athletic Trainer/ Physical Therapist
🎓 Education: Quinnipiac University (B.S., DPT)
📍 Hometown: Bedford, MA
🏀 NBATA Member Since: 2026
ABOUT RORY
Rory Lavery joined the Charlotte Hornets as Performance Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer in 2026.
Prior to joining the Hornets, Rory most recently served as the Head Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist for the Noblesville Boom (Indiana Pacers G-League affiliate) for one year and as the Physical Therapist/Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Maine Celtics for two years. During this time, Rory gained NBA experience during summer league, pre-season, and post-season with the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics. Rory also has experience in outpatient sports PT clinics as well as various collegiate varsity and club sports.
Rory earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University.
Rory resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. In her free time she enjoys reading, being outside, and adding to her sneaker collection.