CMU's sports analytics revolution

In Pearce 101, nestled in the heart of Central Michigan University's bustling campus, every Wednesday evening is a spectacle to behold. From 6 to 7 pm, a crew of sports enthusiasts converges, but this is no ordinary gathering – it's where the magic of sports analytics comes to life!

Picture this: CMU students hailing from diverse backgrounds – Statistics, Data Science, Media Arts, Computer Science, you name it – all united by a singular mission: to unravel the secrets of success in sports. Today, the once humble scouts and cameras have been superseded by state-of-the-art technology, transforming this weekly rendezvous into a cutting-edge hub of innovation.

How did it all start? It started with a love of CMU's sports teams, with a particular spotlight on baseball. Spearheaded by the duo of statistics Professor John Daniels and Assistant Baseball coach Aaron Hilt, these gatherings transcend mere baseball discussions; they're about illuminating every corner of CMU's athletic landscape.

Now, let's dive into the game plan:

First up, Player Development. Imagine dissecting player moves with the precision of seasoned detectives! Armed with tools like Trackman, every pitch, every hit is scrutinized to sculpt the ultimate ballplayer.

Next, Advanced Scouting utilizing cutting-edge programs like Synergy, they meticulously study rival teams' strategies, gearing up to outmaneuver them on the field.

And let's not forget Media Productions. Ever scrolled through Twitter or TikTok and stumbled upon those jaw-dropping sports videos? Well, guess what? These students are the creative geniuses behind them! They serve as the hype squad for CMU sports, showcasing the finest moments and beckoning new talent to the fold.

But what truly sets this group apart? It's not just about playing with fancy gadgets – it's about mastering them like seasoned pros. They delve deep into the intricacies of R coding, a sophisticated language tailored for sports data analysis. And as if that weren't enough, they glean insider knowledge from real sports luminaries, transforming each meeting into a goldmine of wisdom and networking opportunities.

Their mission? Nothing short of catapulting CMU's sports teams to glory. With generous alumni donations fueling their endeavors and cutting-edge equipment at their disposal, they're not just keeping pace with the competition; they're blazing a trail of excellence.

We are developing a Sports Analytics Minor that we hope to debut this fall, and they're on the hunt for fresh talent to join their ranks. Whether you're a video virtuoso, a number-crunching aficionado, or simply a die-hard sports fanatic, there will be a spot waiting for you in this journey towards sporting greatness.