Strength in Structure: Integrating Sport Science for Peak Performance Across 36 Sports
As the role of Sport Science continues to grow in Sport Performance Departments, it is critical that the unit and its members are positioned for success. In this presentation, we will cover how strategic organizational alignment and clarity of purpose can drive performance and innovation across various athletic programs. This presentation will dive into the infrastructure supporting sport scientists across Ohio State, outlining key responsibilities, communication strategies, and collaborative approaches that we have found to best support each team and the Athletics Department as a whole. We will also review examples of sport science initiatives that leverage data and analytics to optimize periodization, training and return to play decisions, recovery, and revenue. This presentation will illustrate the impact of well-coordinated and scientifically-rooted support on achieving peak performance outcomes across a vast athletic department.
Paul joined Ohio State in the summer of 2023 as an Associate Sport Scientist, working with all 36 varsity teams to build an integrated sport science team. Previously, Paul served as the first full-time Sport Science Coordinator at the University of Louisville, where he led data collection and analysis from wearable technology used during matches and training. He also contributed to the development of predictive injury models and published research across multiple sports, including Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Lacrosse, and Women’s Basketball. In 2017, Paul oversaw a partnership with IBM to create a predictive injury model for Louisville Women’s Basketball, achieving 93% accuracy. Paul holds both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Exercise Physiology from the University of Louisville. Paul served in the U.S. Army Infantry, deploying to Iraq in 2012, and earning Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year honors in 2015.
