Sports Data Science at UVA

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Baek Lab

Principal Investigator: Stephen Baek

The Visual Intelligence Laboratory @ UVA (the “Baek Lab”) is a research group directed by Professor Stephen Baek at the University of Virginia School of Data Science. The lab tackles both fundamental and applied research problems in geometric data analysis to understand the roles of geometry in various scientific phenomena. Applications include mechanical and aerospace engineering, materials science, applied physics, medical image analysis, and sports biomechanics.

Research Tags: Geometric Data Analysis; Physics-aware Deep Learning; Data-driven Mechanics; Sports and Human Movement Analysis; Computer Vision and Medical Imaging

Research Interests: Biomedical, Health, and Life Sciences; Engineering, Robotics, and Physical Sciences ; Sports Science and Analytics

Open Lab Positions

HOOS Innovation Lab

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Principal Investigator: Natalie Kupperman

The HOOS (Health, Outcomes & Optimization in Sport) Innovation Lab advances human motion science, sports performance, and translational data research at the University of Virginia. Bridging biomechanics, sports medicine, physiology, and data science, the lab integrates on-field and in-lab data to develop actionable insights for athletes, coaches, clinicians, and researchers. HOOS Innovation Lab serves as a collaborative hub linking UVA Athletics and the School of Data Science to drive progress in technology, motion analytics, and responsible data use. From injury recovery and performance optimization to data privacy and front office strategy, the lab translates research into real-world impact for active human health and sport.

Research tags: Sports, Biomechanics, Athlete Health, Human motion, Privacy, Databases, Technology, Human performance, Injury risk

Research Interests: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Biomedical, Health, and Life Sciences; Sports Science and Analytics

Open Lab Positions

Private and corporate support play a critical role in advancing sports data science at UVA by accelerating research, expanding student experiences, and strengthening collaborations across athletics, health, and industry. Investments can support scholarships and fellowships, applied research projects, student teams and competitions, visiting experts and convenings, and the development of shared data, tools, and spaces. Partnerships also create opportunities to pilot new technologies, translate research into practice, and train the next generation of leaders in sports data science while advancing responsible, ethical, and high-impact innovation.

To learn more, contact Natalie Kupperman at nak5dy@virginia.edu.

At the University of Virginia School of Data Science, students build a rigorous foundation in data science principles across analytics, systems, design, and value, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges in any domain. Undergraduate students pursuing the B.S. in Data Science engage in a modern, applied curriculum that emphasizes programming, analytical methods, data systems, and ethical decision-making, with opportunities to customize their degree through core and collaborative concentrations. 

Graduate students in the residential M.S. in Data Science may choose from optional concentrations, including a Sports Data Science Concentration that blends specialized coursework in sports and data methodologies with experiential learning such as a practicum with the UVA athletics department and a capstone focused on solving a real sports data challenge. This concentration equips students to translate data insights into actionable strategies for athletes, coaches, clinicians, and sport organizations while deepening domain expertise alongside technical mastery.

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Sports and Data Science Conferences

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Open source data sets

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• UVA Sports Analytics Club
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There are many ways to engage with sports data science at UVA, whether you are a student, faculty member, alumnus, industry partner, or supporter. Explore coursework and student organizations, collaborate on research projects, attend events and talks, share data or expertise, or help shape future initiatives through partnerships and philanthropy. We invite you to connect with our community and contribute to a growing ecosystem that uses data to advance sport, health, and human performance in responsible and meaningful ways.

To learn more, contact Natalie Kupperman at nak5dy@virginia.edu.

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The University of Virginia School of Data Science hosted its first Sports Research and Technology Innovation Summit on May 8, 2025, marking a bold step forward in connecting academic research with industry applications in sports science, human performance, and athlete health. The day-long summit, held at the School of Data Science’s Capital One Hub, brought together 70-plus faculty, researchers, and industry professionals across disciplines to explore translational research, foster collaboration, and spark innovation at the intersection of data, sports, and society. 

Read the full recap of the summit.