Jacksonville's Mayo Clinic to provide health care for UNF athletes

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, routinely ranked as a top hospital in Florida and nationwide, is the new official health provider for University of North Florida athletics.

The partnership, which was announced May 11, will offer "world-class clinical services and medical coverage" for UNF coaches and student athletes, according to the university.

Mayo will provide weekly clinics at UNF athletic training facilities and comprehensive medical coverage at home competitions, as well as "direct access" to advanced evaluations, diagnostics and procedures, among other things, the university said.

"Our student-athletes and staff will benefit from onsite clinical services and access to Mayo Clinic's sports medicine and orthopedic care," said Fred Burnett, UNF's senior associate athletic director and chief medical officer.

UNF officials could not be reached about whether the partnership includes funding from Mayo and if the university had a previous official health care provider. The Times-Union has also reached out to Mayo.

Dr. Kristina DeMatas will be head team physician and Dr. Matthew Crowe will lead orthopedic care, UNF said.

"Mayo Clinic's world-class expertise will significantly enhance the care we provide our student-athletes, while reinforcing our collective focus on health, performance and long-term well-being," said Nick Morrow, vice president of intercollegiate athletics.

Mayo CEO Dr. Kent Thielen, left, receives a personalized University of North Florida jersey from Nick Morrow, UNF's vice president of intercollegiate athletics. Mayo was named UNF's Official Health Care Provider.