S5 Ep3: Bridging the Gap - Improving Communication and Collaboration in Collegiate Athletics with Data

In this episode, we delve into the challenges of fostering effective communication and collaboration across sports in the NCAA.  As athletic departments continue to expand - in staff size and expectations for holistic student-athlete care -  the separation between various sports, disciplines and departments present unique obstacles that demand innovative solutions.  We’ll hear from NCAA leaders who have implemented strategies to break down silos and promote synergy by consolidating and centralizing people, process and data; integrating data-driven and evidence-based insights; and cultivating a culture of collaboration and engagement.  Topics for discussion: * The evolving dynamics of NCAA sports programs and their impact on communication and collaboration in and across sports - with players, practitioners and administration
 * The role of centralized data and insights about health, mental well-being, performance, athlete status and more in providing cross-departmental, actionable insights that align staff
 * Strategies for fostering a collaborative mindset among coaches, athletes, and staff members, emphasizing the shared goal of athletic excellence
 * Exploring emerging trends and innovations in data and technology that have the potential to further transform communication and collaboration within collegiate sports programs
 Guests: Jason Avedesian, Ph.D  Director of Sports Science for Olympic Sports, Clemson University Eric Rash, Director of Applied Performance, Baylor University Matt Robinson, Athletic Trainer, Texas Tech

In this episode of Game Changer from Kitman Labs, CEO Stephen Smith is joined by Renee Kleszczynski from Michigan State University and Josh Rucci from the University of Georgia to discuss their respective approaches to change and transformation and the role of technology, data and analytics in improving the health and well-being of their student-athletes, increasing staff efficiency and success and enhancing collaboration across the medical, performance, and coaching teams. Topics include Michigan State University & University of Georgia's vision for holistic student-athlete care in the context of the NCAA Transformation Committee’s new standards The value of  a centralized data and analytics platform in unifying the Athletic Department and supporting objective, collaborative decision-making and communication across all practitioners and sport Thinking beyond the confines of a traditional EMR and AMS - when, where, and how to start the process of deploying an integrated operating system; lessons learned and pro tips for those ready to embark on the journey Keeping it simple - how to painlessly leverage technology to optimize current practices and procedures; generate practical insights and unlock athlete performance

Baylor University is at the forefront of the transformation of student athlete health and well-being. From their vision and organization to their technology infrastructure and day-to-day engagement with student-athletes, Baylor is continuously innovating and evolving their delivery of a top notch student-athlete experience that balances holistic care and performance excellence. In this webinar, Stephen Smith is joined by Kenny Boyd, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Services, to discuss the myriad changes in NCAA athletics and Baylor’s unique approach to student-athlete care. Topics include: Baylor’s vision for the student-athlete experience and how they are driving and accelerating change with administration, coaches, practitioners and student-athletes The new NCAA Transformation Committee requirements for holistic care, increased access to services and medical coverage, and player health and safety measures Student-athlete care as a competitive advantage for player recruitment and retention How the changing conference landscape is impacting Baylor’s strategy for talent recruitment, retention, and approach to performance The importance of building systems and structures to support the holistic care model The value of data and technology to empowering each member of the student-athlete ecosystem to continuously deliver and innovate on the student-athlete experience Guest: Kenny Boyd, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Services, Baylor University Host: Stephen Smith, CEO & Founder, Kitman Labs

In this episode of the Game Changer podcast, learn about the leadership philosophy of Athletic Director Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation at Dartmouth College. With a 20-year career, leading athletic departments at West Point, Notre Dame and more, Mike shares how to break down silos to elevate the care and performance of NCAA athletes. Hear leadership lessons from Harrity’s new book Coaching Wisdom, offering an insider’s perspective on the greatest challenges in leadership and how to overcome them.  In this podcast, you’ll learn:  How to invest in the right technology for your organization  Why you need to create a shared vision for your athletic program  Cross-department communication strategies for large sports organizations 

Kitman Labs Performance Scientist Greg Sammons talks with England Rugby’s Men’s Pathway Athletic Performance Manager Robin Eager about the athletic development process for Under 18/Under 20 players, the importance of alignment and long-term planning for optimal physical development, and advice on when and how to use data insights to complement practitioners’ intuition and experience.

Director of Performance Science Darcy Norman chats with University of Colorado’s Adam Ringler, who openly shares best practices and lessons learned from CU’s innovative journey to a University-wide implementation of their strategic vision - a data-driven approach to enhancing the WHOLE athlete and the athlete experience.  

This week, we’re excited to welcome both Michael Cheika (World Rugby Coach of the Year award recipient) and Brad Harrington (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes) as they join Kitman Labs Performance Scientist John Dams in an engaging discussion on creating solid collaboration between performance staff and coaches (despite occasional differences) to maximize performance on a consistent basis. Key insights include:   Building relationships that can withstand conflict Successfully developing trust How to deliver data that resonates with coaches  Tips to help coaches think about data and collaboration in a new way

University of Colorado Athletic Director Rick George and  Kitman Labs CEO Stephen Smith chat about creating success and driving progress through an interconnected organization and an interconnected approach to managing the WHOLE athlete.  They explore the importance of a strategic plan, getting everyone on the same page, and partnering with the right vendor to execute on the vision and plan. Highlights include: Creating a shared vision and mission with 30+ stakeholders/differing viewpoints Aligning 17+ sports on a shared view of athlete development Using data and technology to bring departments together, create a view of the WHOLE athlete and support individual athlete development Cultivating a culture of continuous improvement

In this second segment of a two-part series, Kitman CEO Stephen Smith continues his conversation with Chicago Cubs High performance Director Adam Beard who gives advice on modernizing high performance organizations. Other highlights include: Leveraging data and analytics for decision-making Moving faster to success as a team How a partner can support you in thinking fast and slow The yin and yang of player development and well-being

In the first of an exclusive two-part series, Kitman CEO Stephen Smith talks with Chicago Cubs High Performance Director Adam Beard who provides highlights from his research on performance, discusses the role of high performance directors, and more. Having worked in the AFL, Olympic sports, international rugby, NFL and MLB, Adam has brought his unique perspective to each organization and shares his thoughts with us on: How to increase collaboration and reduce organizational silos Why a shared understanding of a team’s vision/mission is critical for success Bridging the gap between research and practice The value of differing opinions and perspectives The role of the modern high-performance director Why “we own the adaptation, not the methods”