Faculty and students from the University of Illinois Springfield’s Master of Athletic Training program are gaining hands-on experience this summer while supporting athletes competing in the inaugural season of the Women’s Pro Baseball League at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield.

Members of the UIS athletic training program are providing athletic training services to WPBL players, including injury prevention, mobility and warm-up support. The experience allows UIS students to apply what they are learning in the classroom while working alongside faculty and staff in a professional sports environment.

“This is an incredible hands-on learning opportunity for our students to work with professional athletes and see firsthand what it takes to provide athletic training services in a competitive environment,” said Celest Weuve, associate professor and director of the UIS Master of Athletic Training program. “At the same time, we’re proud that UIS can provide a valuable service to the athletes and play a small role in this historic season for women’s baseball right here in Springfield.”

The Women’s Pro Baseball League began its inaugural season Aug. 1. The WPBL describes the season as the return of women’s professional baseball to the national stage for the first time in more than 70 years, tracing that history to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which ended in 1954 and was made famous by the film “A League of Their Own.”

All games during the WPBL’s inaugural season are being played at Robin Roberts Stadium. The league features four teams: the Boston Hunters, Los Angeles Queens, New York Heights and San Francisco Firebells. Each team will play 15 regular-season games, with the regular season concluding Sept. 6, followed by the league playoffs and championship series.

“Working with the league gives our students a unique opportunity to apply their clinical skills in a professional sports setting,” Weuve said. “They’re gaining real-world experience caring for high-level athletes while learning how athletic trainers support their health, performance and recovery throughout a competitive season.”

The UIS Master of Athletic Training program prepares highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to prevent, diagnose, therapeutically intervene and rehabilitate injuries and medical conditions.