Brian Bratta

Brian Bratta.

Published May 4, 2021

Each month, we'll introduce you to an interesting member of the Professional Staff Senate. This month's featured member is Brian Bratta, Associate Athletic Director, Sports Medicine & Wellness Services.

How long have you worked at UB?

I came to UB in June of 2015, so I am finishing my 6th academic year here. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

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Being able to help others be the best they can be in their role at UB.  Working with student-athletes to return to participation from an injury or helping them become better at what they do by preventing injury and optimizing their performance.  From a department perspective, it is fun to help develop new ideas and initiatives for the staff to be their best.

What’s the most difficult part about your job?

This year has definitely been a challenge for everyone and an increased commitment in hours and attention to detail.  While it is an increase, it is worth it to see the success that our teams have had during their competition seasons.

What would you say is your biggest achievement at UB?

It is always good to see our teams have success in their sports, but I think the biggest success is that our sports medicine team, along with many other staff members, have created an environment allowing practices and competitions to happen safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many people have dedicated countless hours to making it happen and it is pretty cool to see everyone come together for one common goal.  

Tell us something about your department that isn’t well known.

Athletics trainers handle a variety of medical concerns, from orthopedic injuries to general medicine, as well as collaborating with sports performance and nutrition departments to help student-athletes optimize their time at UB. 

If you were to share some advice for other professional staff, what would it be?

Appreciate every single person on campus.  We all have a purpose and it is to help each other.  Too often, we get caught up in our busy-ness, but it takes everyone to make this campus as great as it is, and we appreciate it!

Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

My hobbies include working on home projects and being active outside.  Definitely spending time with my family as much as possible.  When the pandemic started, we tried to be tourists in the area and find parks to hike in and little adventures in the area.  

Do you have a favorite meal you like to prepare?

Always a fan of grilling because that means it’s nice enough to eat outside too.  Otherwise, I enjoy cooking in general because I get to eat the finished product and that’s the best part.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I enjoy traveling the world and seeing different cultures.  I would say that my favorite place so far has been the little sea town of Salema, Portugal.  It was beautiful and peaceful.

Any other fun facts about you?

I have had the opportunity to work with the USOPC (United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee) for over 10 years.