If you are a sports enthusiast, or you are interested in data analytics — or better yet, both! — the UNH Center for Business Analytics has some exciting news to share with you. In partnership with Peter Zaimes, a decision sciences lecturer at Paul Colleges, we are launching a Sports Analytics Lab in Fall 2023.
The benefits of analyzing sports data, such as performance metrics, business operations, and recruitment data, are vast. To discuss these advantages and answer any related questions, we held a Q&A session on February 16 that was open to students across UNH.
Led by Peter Zaimes, the Q&A allowed us to share our vision and goals for a course he’s developed based on numerous feedback and requests. Interested parties, including students and faculty, could learn more about this initiative and share their ideas and concerns.
Peter has almost 30 years of experience in quantitative analysis, sales leadership, and strategy in financial services and Information and Communications Technology. He can provide real business insights from various perspectives to Paul College students. Peter's classroom focus consists of courses in Business Statistics, Quantitative Decision Making for undergraduates and MBAs, and the Information Systems and Business Analytics undergraduate corporate consulting project capstone. His achievements make him a great leader for this program.
Peter will share is expertise and lead a team of up to 15-20 students in this Sports Analytics Lab, which will consist of multiple engagement models. The program will teach students how sports teams leverage data to make decisions on operations, talent recruitment, competitive advantage, and more. Whether UNH students want to earn credit or gain experience, they can apply for a program to integrate their interest in sports or their current degree with business analytics. Faculty, athletic organizations, and businesses are welcome to participate in this initiative.
During a Q&A session, Michela Ur, a current MBA student and analyst who has helped organize the new Sports Analytics Lab, expressed her excitement about the project. She's working with faculty, staff, and other student analysts to ensure the lab is the best it can be for its launch and in the coming years. She says, 'The Q&A session exceeded expectations, and there's already an abundance of interest from not only students but also industry professionals. Attendees were engaged and asked clarifying questions on what the lab will look like in the coming year(s).’ Michela looks forward to continuing on this project to make it the best possible experience for the first cohort in the fall.
Another attendee, Pete Gerhard, who is also an MBA and student analyst working with Michela on the initiative, has great expectations for the program's development. He says he enjoyed sitting in the audience and taking in the presentation like a student trying to learn about the sports analytics lab and courses.
The SA Lab is an amazing initiative that aims to expand and establish credibility in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, implement strong partnerships with UNH Athletics and external sports organizations, and provide opportunities for internships and networking. This program is worth considering if you're interested in sports analytics and want to gain experience or earn credit.
We look forward to welcoming students at the Center for Business Analytics and encouraging them to promote digital transformation for sports organizations. Stay tuned!
