UWGB men’s basketball kicks off season with all female medical staff

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - While girl power isn’t something you usually see at a men’s basketball game, it’s what keeping the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay men’s team in top shape.

For the first time in years, the Phoenix men’s basketball team has an all female medical staff -- something they haven’t seen in years.

A 2019 study from the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine shows female team physicians are highly underrepresented at the collegiate and professional level, making this a dream job for both Dr. Amy Romandine Kratz and Melissa Florine.

“It doesn’t just have to be a male in a role to be able to help you, but you can get it from anyone no matter what gender,” Florine said.

“It’s a really unique way to get to use your medical license, not just at the hospital or at a clinic but out on the court or out on the field,” said Dr. Romandine Kratz.

UWGB is just one of a few school to have female doctors on their team, joining only the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Nationals and Washington Football Team.

The doctors follow their team wherever they go, from practice to training and even extra weight lifting sessions.

Dr. Romandine Kratz hopes her success will inspire women who don’t feel like there’s space for them in athletics, and not let their gender hold them back.

“I really just hope it’s inspiring for women who want to step out of traditional roles, and I hope for my nieces and my future kids will also be inspired by that, too,” she said.

“We can’t thank them enough,” coach Will Ryan said. “They are a huge asset to the team, our program, and our guys.”

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