Meet Vanessa Hernandez | Certified Massage Therapist- Youth Sports Injury Prevention Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business began with my experience working with adult clients. While I enjoyed helping them, I started to notice a gap in the care available for youth athletes. Preventative care for kids is often overlooked, and when it is available, it’s either too expensive or only offered after an injury occurs. This realization hit close to home when my son suffered a growth plate separation in his shoulder. He was fortunate to receive proper care, with his orthopedic doctor, physical therapist and the home care he received through me. I realized that not every family has access to the level of support my son received. It felt wrong to me that we often wait until young athletes are injured before addressing their needs. So I decided to transition my focus to youth athletes to make preventative care accessible and affordable. My goal is to create a service that supports kids before injuries happen, helping them stay healthy and perform at their best. I want to be part of a solution that emphasizes injury prevention and recovery as an essential part of youth sports.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
GameDay Performance Youth Sports Massage focuses on post- game recovery and pre-game injury prevention for youth athletes. I provide targeted recovery techniques, including stretches, taping, and soft tissue mobilization, tailored to help young athletes perform at their best while staying healthy. Our Services emphasize education on self care practices for growing bodies, ensuring athletes are not just treated but empowered to take care of themselves and to speak up.

What makes us unique is our deep understanding of youth sports culture. Being part of a travel ball family and an athlete myself, I know firsthand the physical and financial pressure these young athletes and their parents face. Many recovery services require doctor referrals, are inaccessible due to insurance limitations, or are unaffordable out of pocket. We’ve bridged that gap, offering affordable and accessible care directly to athletes and their families.

Additionally, we take recovery out of the clinical settings and bring it to the fields, parks, and tournaments, where youth athletes feel comfortable. My goal is not just to help young athletes recover but to help them prevent injuries before they happen.

Starting a business wasnt easy, especially as a Latina woman and a mother balancing work, family, my own children sporting events and building a new venture. Financial constraints, lack of resources, and navigating through industry standards were significant hurdles. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that authenticity and passion resonates with people. Parents and coaches trust me because Im not just selling a service- Im sharing a solution I needed myself as a parent of an athlete. I’ve also learned the importance of community connection; involving families in education about sports recovery has built a loyal client base.

This isn’t just a business-its a mission. Youth athletes deserve proper care without the barriers of cost or access. Injuries dont just affect the body- they can impact mental health, confidence, and even long-term athletic goals. At GameDay Performance Youth Sports Massage, we’re here to make sure that every young athlete has the tools and support they need to thrive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome to Lancaster

Breakfast: Crazy Otto’s Diner, known for its giant omelets and hometown charm.
Visit the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve for a peaceful walk and to experience the beauty of the Mojave Desert.
Lunch: Head to Giannini’s Bistro & Grill for some delicious Italian fare.
Explore The BLVD, Lancaster’s revitalized downtown strip. Check out local boutiques, street art, and maybe catch a movie at Cinemark.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Pour D’Vino, a wine bar and bistro with a rooftop patio. Perfect for catching a sunset.

Day 2: Exploring the Outdoors

Breakfast: Lemon Leaf Cafe for fresh pastries and coffee.
Drive out to Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (seasonal) to witness the breathtaking orange poppy fields.
Lunch: Pack a picnic or eat at Baracoa Cuban Restaurant for authentic Cuban cuisine.
Go to Apollo Community Regional Park for a relaxing afternoon by the lakes. Rent pedal boats or walk the trails.
Dinner: Treat yourself to Mexican food at Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant—their margaritas and enchiladas are crowd favorites.

Day 3: Day Trip to the Antelope Valley

Morning Road Trip: Head to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park for a day of hiking and snapping Instagram-worthy photos among the iconic rock formations.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Sweetwater Cafe in Agua Dulce, close to the park.
On the way back, stop at Blackbird Airpark in Palmdale for an up-close look at iconic aircraft.
Dinner: Grab a hearty BBQ meal at Crazy Hog in Palmdale.

Day 4: Joshua Trees and Stargazing

Breakfast: Grab coffee and bagels at The Modern Tea Room.
Take a short drive to the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area for dramatic desert landscapes and hiking trails.
Lunch: Visit Primo Burgers for classic diner food.
Rest up or explore local antique shops around Lancaster.
Evening Adventure: Head to Saddleback Butte State Park for stargazing. The dark skies here make it one of the best spots for spotting constellations.

Day 5: Art and Culture Day

Breakfast: Start the day at Scramblez Cafe, a cozy spot with generous portions.
Explore the Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH) to enjoy contemporary exhibits and local art.
Lunch: Go for Mediterranean food at Olives Mediterranean Cafe.
Visit the Aerospace Walk of Honor to learn about Lancaster’s aviation history.
Dinner: Try Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant for fajitas and a great vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my family for their unwavering support-especially my three sons and my husband. They’ve always pushed me to keep going and stay focused on the goal. My son Mylan, in particular, really spearheaded this idea by sharing how many of his teammates were getting injured and how they needed better preventative care. I also want to thank the families and friends I have made along the way who offered encouragement, advice, and even offered to help with logos and company shirts.

A special thanks to Sandra Gage, who truly helped me get this off the ground. She pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and set up my station right where a soccer team was having a game. It brought attention to what I do and it was amazing. She did all my media shots, gave me shoutouts on her social media, and signed me up for promo events. Her belief in me and her efforts were instrumental in getting my business noticed, and I am forever grateful for her support.

Instagram: game_dayperformance

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/vanessa-Hernandez-498269327

Image Credits
Credits: Sandra Gage