Bio

Dr. Melissa DeNiel serves as the orthopedic surgeon for Ferris State University Athletics and is presently in her 22nd year of providing the medical service to FSU student-athletes.

Dr. DeNiel, who started at Ferris State in August 2000, is currently an orthopedic surgeon with Spectrum Health after a stint at Michigan Medical PC Surgery Specialists in Grand Rapids.  Prior to her recent positions, DeNiel became American Board Certified in Orthopedics in 2002 and then became board certified in sports medicine in 2007.  She completed her orthopedic residency from 1993-99 followed by a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy in 1999-2000.    

A native of Green Bay, Wis., DeNiel received a bachelor of science degree in physics from Loyola University in Chicago, Ill., in 1988.  She was a member of the Ramblers' NCAA Division I women's basketball team during her freshman season, but suffered a career-ending anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.  Following a number of surgeries, DeNiel was redshirted for a season and changed her career focus to attending medical school. 

DeNiel would go on to earn her M.D. degree in 1993 from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis.  

A 1984 graduate of Bay Port High School in Howard, Wis., DeNiel was a standout in both basketball and track.  She received All-Bay Conference basketball honors in both her junior and senior seasons along with being tabbed the Metro Player of the Year and earning team Most Valuable Player accolades in both campaigns.  An academic all-state selection in basketball, DeNiel competed in track and presently holds the school record in the 300-yard hurdles.  She also placed fourth in the state meet for 300-yard hurdles and participated in the 800-yard hurdles at the state finals in her junior year. 

The daughter of Alice Hansen of Green Bay, Wis., DeNiel has two brothers and three sisters.

DeNiel, who resides in Rockford, Mich., enjoys hiking, camping, snowshoe skiing, and loves all dogs.