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Learning data science through the lens of sport.
Sports data science at UVA gives students opportunities to apply data science to real questions in athletics, human performance, health, and sport technology. Through specialized coursework, hands-on projects, research, and partnerships with UVA Athletics and external organizations, students work with real-world data and challenges while building skills that translate across the rapidly evolving sports industry.
From the M.S. in Data Science Sports Data Science Concentration to research and experiential learning opportunities, students can connect what they learn in the classroom to how data are collected, analyzed, communicated, and used to make decisions in sport. The goal is not only to prepare students to work in sports, but to prepare them to use data responsibly and effectively wherever sport, technology, health, and human performance intersect.
Sports Data Science Concentration (M.S. in Data Science)
The MSDS Sports Data Science Concentration pairs the core M.S. in Data Science curriculum with specialized, hands-on training in sport. Students explore how data are collected, managed, analyzed, and communicated in sport through the Sports & Data course, apply their skills to a sport-focused capstone project, and gain real-world experience through a sports practicum. Graduates are prepared to use data responsibly and effectively across collegiate and professional sport, sports technology, human performance, and related industries.
Current PhD Students
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Zack Gottesman
M.S. in Computer Science 2024, Dartmouth College
B.A. in Computer Science & QSS 2022, Dartmouth College
PhD Entry Year: 2024
Website: zackgottesman.me
Advisor: Tom Hartvigsen
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Stephen Olsen
B.S. in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics 2021, Virginia Tech
PhD Entry Year: 2026
Advisor: Natalie Kupperman
Current MSDS Students
Kyle Alt
Austin Alvarado
Cameron Barlow
Aidan Dowd
Homayoun Fatehi
Wesley Fletcher
Ryan Fryer
Jackson Haiz
Samuel Harris
Liam Hopkins
Austin Alvarado
Cameron Barlow
Aidan Dowd
Homayoun Fatehi
Wesley Fletcher
Ryan Fryer
Jackson Haiz
Samuel Harris
Liam Hopkins
Ryan Jamison
Merasia Johnson
Claire Jones
Henry Jones
Jisung Lee
Paola Quiroga
Jaden Rothschild
Jacob Stallard
Jonathan Sutkus
Lukas Vrouwenvelder
Merasia Johnson
Claire Jones
Henry Jones
Jisung Lee
Paola Quiroga
Jaden Rothschild
Jacob Stallard
Jonathan Sutkus
Lukas Vrouwenvelder
BSDS Health and Human Movement Concentration
The Human Movement and Physiology Concentration with the School of Education and Human Development empowers students to explore the complexities of the human body through data-driven insights. By combining advanced data science techniques such as statistical modeling, machine learning, and wearable technology analysis with the study of biomechanics, exercise science, and physiology, students gain the tools to analyze movement patterns, optimize performance, and advance healthcare interventions. This interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to address challenges in areas such as sports science, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and human performance research. With this unique skill set, students are equipped to contribute to innovations in health technology, physical therapy, and personalized wellness solutions.
DS 5062 - Sports & Data
DS 5062 Sports & Data is one of the most visible laboratories for data science in the modern world. This course uses the sports industry as the primary domain through which students encounter and practice the full data science pipeline, from data collection and modeling to communication and deployment. Drawing on real cases from professional and collegiate sport, media, and the business of athletics, the course is organized around the 4+1 model of data science: Value, Design, Systems, Analytics, and Practice.
Sports Analytics Club at UVA
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The Sports Analytics Club at UVA is a student organization for undergraduates passionate about sports analytics. Members research questions about their favorite teams and leagues, or tackle projects for the club's partner organizations. Through a structured new-member curriculum, semesterly guest speakers from the industry, and hands-on deliverables, the club equips students with the technical and professional skills needed to break into sports analytics or adjacent fields.
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