WVU School of Sport SCiences
The WVU School of Sport Sciences prepares the next generation of sport professionals through an applied, science-driven approach to human performance, coaching, and athlete development. Housed within a nationally recognized R1 research institution, the School blends rigorous academic training with immersive, real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to high-performance sport environments.
A cornerstone of this applied model is the School’s partnership with the WVU Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center, a cutting-edge facility that integrates biomechanics, sport analytics, strength and conditioning, and performance technology. Through this partnership, students gain direct exposure to the tools, methods, and decision-making processes used by collegiate and professional sport organizations, including motion capture, force plate analysis, pitch and swing tracking systems, and individualized performance reporting.
Experiential Learning at the Center of Performance Innovation
Students affiliated with the School of Sport Sciences benefit from hands-on learning opportunities embedded within the WVU Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center, including:
- Applied coursework and lab experiences using industry-standard performance technologies
- Supervised residencies, internships, and practicum placements in athlete monitoring and development
- Collaboration with coaches, sport scientists, and performance staff on live training and assessment projects
- Exposure to data-informed decision making that supports athlete health, performance, and long-term development
This partnership ensures graduates leave WVU not only with strong scientific foundations, but with practical experience that translates directly to careers in sport performance, analytics, coaching, and allied fields.
What Coach Sabins and the WVU Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center has done here with the collaborative effort partnering with academia, specifically the School of Sport Sciences, makes too much sense - it is the blueprint for the future. They are fostering a learning environment for the emerging world of sports science that will continue to grow exponentially in the years to come across all sports. Better preparing students for real-word experience all while maximizing player health and performance.
Academic Pathways and Degree Options
The School of Sport Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to align with evolving workforce demands in sport and human performance, including pathways connected to the Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center. Together, these programs allow students to customize their academic experience, whether they are aspiring coaches, sport scientists, performance analysts, or professionals seeking advanced credentials.
Certificate Programs in Sport Analytics and Performance
Undergraduate Certificate in Sport Performance and Analytics
Ideal for undergraduates seeking applied sport analytics skills and early career readiness. Students begin with foundational courses in statistical inference and sport science data analysis, then move into an immersive residency inside the WVU Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center.
- Residency 1: Learn the fundamentals of data capture using TrackMan, Swing Catalyst, and iPitch while rotating through support roles in live practices.
- Residency 2: Advance into applied analytics, interpreting biomechanics reports and building dashboards to support individualized training plans.
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Sport Analytics and Performance
Designed for graduate students and sport professionals who want to lead in performance analytics, biomechanics, or player development. This program prepares learners to operate at a systems level to integrate multiple technologies, lead data-driven projects, and translate findings into actionable insights for coaches and athletes.
- Residency 1: Manage multi-system biomechanics sessions, calibrating and synchronizing data streams from KinaTrax, NewtForce, and TrackMan.
- Residency 2: Develop advanced biomechanical models, deliver integrated reports to coaches, and lead applied research projects.
Graduate Certificate in Athlete Talent Identification and Development
Designed for graduate students and sport professionals seeking to advance their impact in athlete evaluation and long-term development. This fully online certificate equips coaches and performance practitioners with the tools to identify athletic potential, individualize development pathways, and apply data-informed decision-making across individual and team sport environments.
- Applied Focus 1: Examine contemporary talent identification models and athlete development frameworks, emphasizing ethical evaluation, communication, and leadership within coaching systems.
- Applied Focus 2: Apply sport analytics and performance data to support player assessment, development planning, and evidence-based coaching decisions through applied professional development experiences.
Related Degree Programs in Sport Sciences
WVU’s School of Sport Sciences offers multiple degree pathways that connect students directly to WVU Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center resources. These include:
Coaching & Performance Science
- B.S. in Strength and Conditioning
- M.S. in Sport Coaching (online)
- Ph.D. in Coaching and Teaching Studies
Leadership & Management
- B.S. in Sport Leadership (online)
- B.S. in Sport Management
- M.S. in Sport Management
- M.S. in Executive Sport Management (online)
Sport & Performance Psychology
- B.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology
- M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology (online)
- Ph.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology
Research and Innovation
- Pitching Biomechanics and Arm Health – reducing injury risk with workload monitoring.
- Swing Efficiency Studies – linking ground force production to batted-ball outcomes.
- Athlete Recovery Research – using force-plate and sensor data to optimize load management.
- Applied Analytics for Coaching – translating data into actionable insights for game-day decisions.
A Look at the Student Journey
See how our 4-year student success persona, Maria, would transform from Sport Management freshman into a professional MLB analyst through her experiences in the program.
Freshman Year: Foundation Building
Maria would start as a basic data collection assistant, learning tech fundamentals and understanding team operations, while building relationships.
Sophomore Year: Skill Development
She would then advance to performance metrics analysis, developing skills in data interpretation and beginning to identify meaningful player development trends.
Junior Year: Applied Impact
Maria would begin assisting coaches with talent evaluation and help design training programs based on performance data analysis and biomechanical insights.
Senior Year: Leadership and Professional Preparation
Lastly, she would manage junior interns, coordinate prospect evaluations, and complete her certificate requirements.
After graduation, Maria could become a Player Development Analyst with a major league team, while completing her MS in Executive Sport Management through our accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program.
Student Success Stories
Graduate student Mariah Alvarez translated her residency work at the WVU Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center into national recognition, presenting her research on athlete workload monitoring at the Big 12 Sport Science Summit (Fall 2025). Today, she is pursuing a career in professional baseball performance analytics.
Undergraduate student James Porter leveraged his year-long residency to secure a summer internship with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ player development department. His hands-on experience with TrackMan and KineTrax at WVU gave him the technical edge to stand out in a competitive MLB hiring process.
Graduate student Alexis Chen applied her analytics residency to a capstone project on swing efficiency that was later published in a peer-reviewed sport science journal. She is now working as a performance analyst with a national sports technology company.
