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.
Dan joined The Ohio State University as an Assistant Sport Scientist in October 2021, after serving as a strength and conditioning intern since May of that year. Prior to Ohio State, he gained valuable experience as a strength and conditioning intern with the football team at Western Michigan University, specializing in data analysis and athlete performance. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (2018), and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (2021), both from Western Michigan University. He also completed a Master's degree in Sport Analytics at the University of Mississippi in Spring 2024, with a focus on sport performance. Dan is currently a PhD Student in Kinesiology at Ohio State. Dan’s efforts are heavily focused on Ohio State Football, Sport Science Internship oversight, data visualization, and contributing to the scaling of other Sport Science initiatives.
