Revamp of Sports Medicine and Performance seeks to advance opportunities for student-athletes

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Platteville Director of Athletics and Recreation and Assistant Chancellor for Sports Administration Dr. Kristina Navarro along with SWA and Director of Sports Medicine and Sports Performance Ryanne Breckenridge announced Monday (June 28) a formal restructure of the Department of Sports Medicine and Sports Performance. The changes build on the mission of providing a transformational student-athlete experience and enhancing the Pioneers' profile of competitive excellence.  

"As a former strength and conditioning coach, I am thrilled to develop this critical area to build competitive excellence across our 16 sport programs," said Navarro. "Dedicated positions to strength and conditioning are crucial to enhancing the transformational student-athlete experience. This department will work hand-in-hand with the Department of Sports Medicine to continue to enhance our profile of competitive excellence."  

After five years served as assistant athletic trainer and strength coach, Michael Martin has been elevated to Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. This is the first time the Pioneers have had a dedicated full-time director in this role. Kellen Bornbach will join the UW-Platteville staff as full-time Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach after several years with UW-Madison Badger Athletics. Together Martin and Bornbach will build Sports Performance to better serve and develop all student-athletes in the quest for competitive excellence.   

In the Department of Sports Medicine, Jerek Pontius has been promoted to Head Athletic Trainer after two years as an assistant and following the transition of Breckenridge to the full-time Associate Athletic Director role. Pontius will oversee a staff of four assistant athletic trainers which include Annie Evans, Kyle Dwyer,  Kelly Kerkenbush and Michelle Budden.  

Breckenridge who is also the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) will continue to serve as the Pioneer football team's dedicated athletic trainer.   

"I believe that this restructure will allow us to give the best possible experience to our student athletes," said Breckenridge. "This move allows for more time spent with teams and specialization within athletic training and strength and conditioning while providing an opportunity for top-notch staffing. Jerek, Michael, and I are excited to bring the Sports Medicine and Sports Performance Department to a new level."