Erwin Benedict Valencia

Erwin is in his fourth year with the Knicks, third in his current position as the leader of the team’s Medical and Performance staff, accompanying the Knicks on all road trips…Initially joined Knicks in the 2014-15 season as Team Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer (promoted Summer ’15).

Raised and educated in the Philippines, Erwin is the first Filipino to be on the medical staff for both an NBA and MLB team...Prior to joining Knicks, was Rehabilitation Director of the Pittsburgh Pirates for eight seasons...In 2013, co-founded the socially-responsible global education company KINETIQ, providing grassroots and “next step” knowledge in sports medicine, wellness and performance art to institutions around the world with no readily access to it. He simultaneously founded The Grasshopper Project, a mentorship program for future thought leaders and change agents in the world of movement. Remains the Director of Medical & Performance Services for Baseball New Zealand, a Sports Physical Therapy Expert for the Philippine Physical Therapy Association, and is a consultant to several professional, national, & Olympic teams internationally.

Holds Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of the Philippines-Manila, a Masters of Education in Athletic Training & Sports Medicine from Plymouth State (NH) University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with a concentration in Manipulative Therapies from the University of St. Augustine...Fulfilled requirements for post-graduate fellowships at Yale University and Regis University (for AAOMPT), and is currently completing an Advanced Diploma in Coaching (Executive & Leadership) at NYU.

Begins every day in GRATITUDE - and has made it his personal mission to serve as an inspiration to young Filipinos everywhere.