Strength on the Sidelines: Kiomy Martinez-Ortiz

Kiomy Martinez-Ortiz is the new athletic trainer for the Double-A Springfield Cardinals, becoming the first female full-time field staff member in the franchise's history. She replaces longtime trainer Alex Wolfinger, who was promoted to Triple-A Memphis after four seasons in Springfield. Since joining the organization in 2019, Martinez-Ortiz has worked across multiple levels and locations, including three years at the Cardinals' academy in the Dominican Republic and most recently with the Florida Complex League Cardinals. Along the way, she filled in with affiliates in Palm Beach, Peoria and Springfield, gaining experience wherever the organization needed coverage.

A 2015 graduate of the University of Puerto Rico–Ponce with a Master's degree from Florida International University, Martinez-Ortiz measures success less by traditional business metrics and more by performance outcomes.

"My main job is keeping the guys healthy and on the field," Martinez-Ortiz explains. "A successful season is one with as few injuries as possible."

While the hire is historic, Martinez-Ortiz is quick to emphasize the work over the milestone. She wants to be recognized not for being the first, but for being effective.

"I feel like I'm breaking barriers, but at the same time, I'm just here to do my job," she says. "I want people to acknowledge me not because I'm a female in this field, but because I'm a good athletic trainer."

She understands the weight of being first, especially for young women watching from the sidelines. More than the title, she hopes her presence sends a message: Hard work and dedication can create opportunity.