University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Athletics Expanding Sports Science and Analytics Program
3/24/2025 9:45:00 AM | Delaware Athletics
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware Department of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation (DACCR) is expanding its Sports Science and Analytics program to further assist the department in achieving its winning potential. The group is comprised of three verticals: sports science analytics, sport analytics, and business analytics.
"The Blue Hens have built a reputation as leaders in sports science and analytics," Associate AD, Business Intelligence, Analytics, and Strategy Jack Davis said. "Our novel 'hub and spoke' team is another example. Our central team of analytics leaders will share systems and best practices while collaborating closely with the domain experts they support."
The group is made up of four full-time employees: Davis, Christina Rasnake, Director, Sports Science and Analytics, Don Harris, Business Intelligence Analyst, and Tanner Elliott, Assistant Director, Sports Analytics. The team also has 50-plus University student interns across several majors and colleges, including Lerner College of Business, College of Agriculture, and the College of Health Sciences, and graduate students from the AI Center of Excellence.
"The sports science analytics team plays an incredible role in what we do in our program," Head Football Coach Ryan Carty said. "Being able to utilize the data they collect helps us to optimize successful return-to-play protocols, player optimization, and practice planning, among other integral metrics indirectly correlated to wins and losses."
The sports science analytics team is centered around human performance and works closely with the strength and conditioning, athletic training, performance nutrition, and team coaches to maximize the student-athletes' availability to compete and mitigate injury risk. Rasnake spearheads this team, which utilizes several technology mediums, including force plate technology, velocity-based barbell training, and GPS movement-based technology.
"The support that we received from our sports analytics team directly impacts our success on the field," Head Women's Soccer Coach Kelly Lawrence said. "We receive real-time data that enables us to double down on what we're doing well and make necessary adjustments to ensure our team can perform to its fullest."
Sports analytics, led by Elliott, uses sport specific data to help coaches make data informed decisions and put student-athletes in the best position to develop and perform. Currently, this vertical is partnering with Delaware's AI Center of Excellence to develop a machine learning model which will help baseball pitchers optimize their pitch design.
Business analytics, which is led by Davis, looks to increase financial independence. Using data sets curated by Harris, the team is collaborating with business analytics groups on campus to develop models to identify how DACCR can best serve fans and translate that into more consistent attendance and support throughout the year.
University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation
Located in Newark, Delaware, University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation sponsors 21 varsity sports and three spirit teams. Aiming to achieve excellence together, the department boasts a storied history of 529 All-Americans, 138 conference titles, and 10 national championships. Currently competing in the Coastal Athletic Association, the department will transition to FBS football and become a full-time member of Conference USA, while also adding women's ice hockey as the 22nd varsity sport – both effective July 1, 2025.
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"The Blue Hens have built a reputation as leaders in sports science and analytics," Associate AD, Business Intelligence, Analytics, and Strategy Jack Davis said. "Our novel 'hub and spoke' team is another example. Our central team of analytics leaders will share systems and best practices while collaborating closely with the domain experts they support."
The group is made up of four full-time employees: Davis, Christina Rasnake, Director, Sports Science and Analytics, Don Harris, Business Intelligence Analyst, and Tanner Elliott, Assistant Director, Sports Analytics. The team also has 50-plus University student interns across several majors and colleges, including Lerner College of Business, College of Agriculture, and the College of Health Sciences, and graduate students from the AI Center of Excellence.
"The sports science analytics team plays an incredible role in what we do in our program," Head Football Coach Ryan Carty said. "Being able to utilize the data they collect helps us to optimize successful return-to-play protocols, player optimization, and practice planning, among other integral metrics indirectly correlated to wins and losses."
The sports science analytics team is centered around human performance and works closely with the strength and conditioning, athletic training, performance nutrition, and team coaches to maximize the student-athletes' availability to compete and mitigate injury risk. Rasnake spearheads this team, which utilizes several technology mediums, including force plate technology, velocity-based barbell training, and GPS movement-based technology.
"The support that we received from our sports analytics team directly impacts our success on the field," Head Women's Soccer Coach Kelly Lawrence said. "We receive real-time data that enables us to double down on what we're doing well and make necessary adjustments to ensure our team can perform to its fullest."
Sports analytics, led by Elliott, uses sport specific data to help coaches make data informed decisions and put student-athletes in the best position to develop and perform. Currently, this vertical is partnering with Delaware's AI Center of Excellence to develop a machine learning model which will help baseball pitchers optimize their pitch design.
Business analytics, which is led by Davis, looks to increase financial independence. Using data sets curated by Harris, the team is collaborating with business analytics groups on campus to develop models to identify how DACCR can best serve fans and translate that into more consistent attendance and support throughout the year.
University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation
Located in Newark, Delaware, University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation sponsors 21 varsity sports and three spirit teams. Aiming to achieve excellence together, the department boasts a storied history of 529 All-Americans, 138 conference titles, and 10 national championships. Currently competing in the Coastal Athletic Association, the department will transition to FBS football and become a full-time member of Conference USA, while also adding women's ice hockey as the 22nd varsity sport – both effective July 1, 2025.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware Athletics, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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