Columbus Fury Announce Healthcare Partnerships

COLUMBUS, Ohio— The Columbus Fury is proud to announce their roster of healthcare partners for the upcoming 2025 season. Orthopedic One and Mount Carmel Health System, both distinguished and longstanding healthcare organizations in Central Ohio will provide a comprehensive panel of medical professionals to ensure the health of our athletes. These professionals include primary care, sports medicine and orthopedic physicians, a certified athletic trainer, and providers specializing in strength and conditioning, nutrition, cardiology, radiology, and obstetrics/gynecology.

MEDICAL PARTNERS

Orthopedic ONE  signed on for its second consecutive year as both a sponsor and medical partner to the Columbus Fury. Ohio's largest physician-owned orthopedic practice, Orthopedic ONE has nearly 70 general and fellowship-trained orthopedic and musculoskeletal providers across nine convenient locations. In fact, more people trust Orthopedic ONE with their musculoskeletal care than any other practice in central Ohio.

"We are proud to announce another year of partnership with the Columbus Fury, and our continued commitment to the growth and success of women's professional sports in central Ohio," says Joel Politi, MD, Physician Partner, Orthopedic ONE. "In addition to our sponsorship, we will serve as Official Team Physicians to the Columbus Fury. Our roster of physician specialists, therapists and athletic trainers, led by Orthopedic ONE's Dr. Emily Wynkoop, will provide comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine care aimed at keeping Fury athletes healthy and on the court."

Mount Carmel is once again the official healthcare partner of the Fury, returning to the lineup after the team’s inaugural season in 2024. Mount Carmel Health System has provided high-quality comprehensive healthcare services in central Ohio for more than 135 years. Their team of more than 8,200 colleagues, 1,920 physicians, and 420 volunteers provide, compassionate, people-centered primary and specialty care across central Ohio.

“We are excited to once again join forces with The Columbus Fury as their official medical provider and pillar partner,” said Tauana McDonald, President and CEO, Mount Carmel Health System. “This partnership embodies our commitment to excellence and advancing health both on and off the court. We look forward to another inspiring season.”

STAFF

Emily Wynkoop, M.D returns as the official team physician and lead orthopedic surgeon to the Columbus Fury. Dr. Wynkoop is a fellowship-trained Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon with Orthopedic ONE. She earned her medical degree from the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in Rootstown, Ohio, and completed her orthopedic residency at University of Toledo Medical Center. She pursued advanced fellowship-training in orthopedic sports medicine at Beacon Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Wynkoop previously served as team physician to several area high schools, as well as assistant team physician for Wittenberg University and the Cincinnati Reds.

Kelvin Luu, M.D. will serve in his second year as an official orthopedic surgeon to the Fury. Dr. Luu is a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with Orthopedic ONE. He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College and completed his orthopedic residency at Mount Carmel Health System, followed by advanced orthopedic sports medicine training with the University of North Carolina (UNC) -Raleigh Orthopedic Clinic’s Fellowship program. While there, he served as team physician for the UNC Men’s Basketball, NC State Football, and NC State Wresting teams.

Emma Saunders, AT-C, will serve as the team’s head trainer. A staff trainer with Orthopedic ONE, Saunders recently served as assistant athletic trainer to the field hockey and cross country/track and field programs at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio).She holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and a master’s degree in athletic training from Ohio University, where her clinical experience included work with athletes in a range of sports including women’s and men’s volleyball and basketball, men’s wrestling, baseball, and softball.

Amrita Karve, MD, FACC, will serve as the team cardiologist. A cardiologist with Mount Carmel Health System, Dr. Karve received her medical degree from George Washington University and completed her internship and residency at the University of Michigan. She then went on to complete her fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine at The Ohio State University. Dr. Karve is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Heather McCormick, MS, RDN, LD, CDE, will serve as the team dietitian. As a former Division I athlete, Heather was inspired to study nutrition at an early age. She holds a B.S. in nutrition from Illinois State University and was a four-year member of the women’s swimming and diving team. She earned her M.S. in nutrition from Bowling Green State University. She is currently a registered dietitian with Mount Carmel Health System. She works one-on-one with patients in the cardiac rehab program, and in Mount Carmel’s Employer Relations department, providing food demonstrations, biometric screenings, and educational programs to companies in the greater Columbus area.

Jonathan Newsom, MD, will serve as the team primary care physician. A family medicine doctor with Mount Carmel Health System, Dr. Newson received his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and completed his residency at Mount Carmel Health System. He then completed his fellowship at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Nicole Zochowski, MD, will serve as team obstetrician/gynecologist. A OBGYN with Mount Carmel Health System, Dr. Nicole Zochowski received her medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine and then went on to complete her residency at Case Western Reserve University MetroHealth Medical Center. She is board-certified by The American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

“Our success as an organization depends on the health and well-being of our athletes,” said David Paitson, Ed.D, Columbus Fury CEO. “Mount Carmel and Orthopedic One both have exceptional reputations and we’re proud that they are on our team. We’re looking forward to a healthy and successful season.”

The Pro Volleyball League requires the team doctor to be on site for all home matches, and the trainer to be on site for all practices, scrimmages, and games, both home and away.

Training camp begins December 1 at Columbus School for Girls.  The Fury begin their 2025 season January 11 at Nationwide Arena. Click here for the full schedule and information on tickets.

ABOUT THE COLUMBUS FURY     

The Columbus Fury is a professional volleyball team in Columbus, Ohio and a founding member of Pro Volleyball Federation, the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. The Fury are one of eight teams in the league, joining the Atlanta Vibe, Grand Rapids Rise, Indy Ignite, Omaha Supernovas, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill for the 2025 season. The Fury play their home matches at Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus. Tickets for all Columbus Fury are available by visiting ColumbusFury.com or by calling the ticket office at (614) 380-FURY. 

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION 

Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.