LOUISVILLE, Ky. - For the last twenty years, KentuckyOne Health and Jewish Hospital have been the health care providers for the University of Louisville. Now, the official health care partner is Norton Healthcare.

Athletic Director Vince Tyra announced the university Thursday. The area's largest health care provider will provide many services for college athletes at UofL.

“This is a great day for University of Louisville athletics,” said Vince Tyra, athletic director, UofL. “The health and wellness of our players is our top priority. We’re excited to team up with Norton Healthcare, an organization that has proven to offer the same level of passion, drive, and expertise as our athletes.”

Norton Sports Health will provide medical support for the university's 23 sports programs. The services will include providing all sports physicals, access tod Norton's network of doctors including orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and primary care doctors.

“We’re looking forward to this partnership,” said Russell F. Cox, president, and chief executive officer, Norton Healthcare. “Norton Sports Health offers comprehensive treatment for local athletes of all ages and skill levels. We look forward to supporting UofL and keeping its premier athletes in the game.”

Norton Sports Health will also provide funding for athletic trainers on the sidelines, campus training rooms and "state-of-the-art imaging equipment." In addition to the physical care of student-athletes, special care will be given to offering mental health services, including access to counseling and sports performance specialists.

“Our goal is to care for the whole athlete,” said Steven T. Hester, M.D., MBA, division president, provider operations, and system chief medical officer, Norton Healthcare. “With our streamlined and comprehensive group of medical providers, we can provide the services athletes need both quickly and efficiently.”

The new partnership means some doctors who have been with UofL Athletics for decades will no longer be working at the school. All of the coaches have been notified of the partnership and know which medical professionals each will be working with heading into the fall season.