Sport Analytics Podcast

Audio Note: We had a technical issue with echo during the introduction, but it improves as the video goes along—thanks for bearing with us!In our tenth episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh chats with Alexander Rogers, currently a Football Analyst for the Tennessee Titans. Alex’s journey stretches from playing collegiate football at Drake University to refining his data chops as a senior analyst at Hy-Vee, then diving into NBA strategy and research with the Phoenix Suns—all before making the jump to the NFL.He walks us through how balancing on-field responsibilities at Drake honed his discipline and communication, why short, visual insights often matter more than long reports in a busy NFL front office, and how next-generation college tracking data shapes draft prep and player evaluations. If you’re curious about blending a gridiron background with analytics, this episode offers the real-world roadmap from college ball to professional R&D.Key Takeaways:From Gridiron to Analytics: How a collegiate playing career helps interpret data and speak coaches’ language—though it’s not a must-have.Season vs. Offseason: Short-term coach-focused insights in-season vs. deep R&D and scouting analysis after the final whistle.Hybrid Skills in Action: Learning to handle everything from data engineering to front-office stakeholder questions at a “startup-like” NFL analytics group.Visuals & One-Liners: Why color-coded dashboards and quick-hitting metrics turn heads and drive decisions at the highest levels.Strategic Networking: Tips on building a standout portfolio, refining cold outreach, and showing teams you’re ready to contribute.🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career insights, and technical deep-dives!📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected].🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid.#SportsAnalytics #FootballAnalytics #NFL #NFLanalytics #TennesseeTitans #CollegeFootball #DataScience #PlayerTracking #NBA #PhoenixSuns #Visualization #CareerAdvice #DrakeUniversity

In our ninth episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Dr. Ron Yurko, an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Statistics & Data Science at Carnegie Mellon University and the Director of the Carnegie Mellon Sports Analytics Center. Ron’s path spans an internship with the Pittsburgh Pirates, a data science role at Zelus Analytics (now Teamworks), and a PhD at Carnegie Mellon—where he now guides the next wave of analysts, develops open-source tools, and co-organizes the annual CMU Sports Analytics Conference.Ron highlights how his early experience manually tracking on-field data at PNC Park fueled his passion for large-scale research, why Python vs. R matters less than mastering the foundations of statistical methods, and how competitions like the NFL Big Data Bowl serve as springboards for building a public portfolio. From uncovering hidden signal in high-dimensional data to exploring the new frontier of pose-based biomechanics, Ron shares his vision of where sports analytics is heading—and how students, researchers, and industry pros can stay ahead of the curve.Key Takeaways: Finding Your Path: How a cold email, an unexpected project, and relentless curiosity launched Ron’s sports analytics career. Big Data Bowl & Beyond: Why public competitions with tracking data are driving the next wave of innovative research. Academic + Industry Mix: Lessons from balancing advanced methodology with the day-to-day needs of teams and clients. Pose Data is Next: From raw player tracking to full skeletal modeling—what emerging data sources mean for future insights. Methodology Over Tool Wars: Why understanding model assumptions and uncertainty trumps any single programming language.🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career insights, and technical deep-dives!📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact me at [email protected].🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid.#SportsAnalytics #DataScience #CarnegieMellon #MLB #NFL #NFLBigDataBowl #MachineLearning #AI #AnalyticsEducation #CareerAdvice #Academia #Innovation

In our eighth episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Yeshayah Goldfarb, the former Vice President of Baseball Operations and Baseball Resources & Development for the San Francisco Giants. Over a remarkable 24-year tenure—and three World Series rings—Yeshayah rose from intern to executive, pioneering new analytics systems, spearheading player development programs, and championing flat leadership to unify scouts, coaches, and data teams. Yeshayah shares how he integrated emerging technologies (like Hawk-Eye), leveraged minor-league free agent signings to assemble championship depth, and built strong rapport with front-office, on-field, and international staff alike. Whether you’re intrigued by scouting international prospects in Venezuela or shaping a multimillion-dollar roster for a Major League team, this episode explores the daily hustle, strategic foresight, and passion that powered one of MLB’s most successful front offices in recent history. Key Takeaways: From Intern to Executive: How relentless curiosity and “doing every job” can set the stage for career-long success. Analytics & Scouting Harmony: Why building trust and customizing data for each role drives organizational buy-in. Strategic Depth: The hidden impact of minor-league free agent gems like Gregor Blanco and Yusmeiro Petit. Budgeting for Innovation: How proactive R&D investments and being a “first mover” in new technology can pay dividends. Advice for Aspiring Analysts: Gain experience today—no permission needed—by scouting games, honing R/Python/SQL, and cultivating a learner’s mindset. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career insights, and technical deep-dives! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #BaseballAnalytics #BaseballOperations #SanFranciscoGiants #MLB #DataScience #Moneyball #PlayerDevelopment #CareerAdvice #FlatLeadership #SportsTech

In our seventh episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Sam Marks, Director of Business Strategy and Analytics for the Boston Bruins and TD Garden. From assembling the first analytics department at the Arizona Coyotes to managing high-impact revenue decisions for an Original Six NHL franchise, Sam shows how data, empathy, and forward-thinking leadership can drive transformative outcomes across the sports industry. Sam explains why “fan experience” is more than a buzzword—and how Monte Carlo simulations, dynamic pricing models, and a structured approach to building analytics teams can translate raw data into actionable results. He also shares candid lessons on balancing immediate revenue goals with long-term brand equity, the growing role of AI in sports business, and why an openness to learning is key to a successful career in this ever-evolving field. Key Takeaways: Building Effective Teams: Why hiring for empathy, critical thinking, and core data skills can supercharge organizational impact. Fan-Centric Analytics: Using models and market insights to deliver real-time, data-driven improvements to the arena experience. Hedging Against Volatility: How sports analytics can mitigate the unpredictable nature of wins, losses, and market factors. Monte Carlo Simulations: How scenario-driven approaches empower more nuanced pricing and revenue forecasts. Evolving Tech Stack: Why continuous learning—across SQL, Tableau, AI, and beyond—keeps your analytics toolkit future-proof. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career insights, and technical deep-dives! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #NHL #BostonBruins #TDGarden #BusinessStrategy #DataScience #MonteCarlo #FanExperience #CareerAdvice #SportsBusiness #BusinessAnalytics #Duke

In our sixth episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with John Tobias, an on-air TV Statistician at ESPN, Program Director of Sports Analytics at UNC Charlotte, and Founder of the Strength in Numbers nonprofit. From producing real-time metrics in ESPN broadcasts, to creating one of the few collegiate sports analytics internship programs in the nation, to forging open pathways for underrepresented students—John embodies how passion and purpose can reshape the field. John dives into: Why “following your passion” isn’t just a cliché, it’s a strategy for long-term success How live-broadcast analytics blend raw data with time-pressed storytelling The growth of sports analytics education, culminating in UNC Charlotte’s upcoming bachelor’s degree in the field His Strength in Numbers nonprofit, which provides free sports analytics camps at USC, Columbia, and UNC Charlotte Why practical experience (even if unpaid!) and strong communication skills can vault you ahead in a fiercely competitive industry Key Takeaways: Rapid-Fire Stats: Strategies for crunching data on the fly so fans can hear meaningful insights in mere seconds. Coaching Communication: Why data visualization and plain English matter more than dense code in real-world team settings. Closing the Gap: Building resources and mentorship opportunities to broaden analytics access for women and minorities. Experiential Learning: How real-world, hands-on projects in college sports can transform a student’s résumé overnight. Career Pivots: Lessons learned from John’s own switch from finance to a fulfilling ESPN role—and why it’s never too late to chase your dreams. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career insights, and technical deep-dives! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #ESPN #UNCCharlotte #Broadcasting #DataScience #StrengthInNumbers #AnalyticsEducation #DiversityAndInclusion #CareerAdvice #StudentInternships

In our fifth episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Dr. Josh Pohlkamp-Hartt, the Associate Director of Hockey Analytics at the Boston Bruins. From designing novel neutral-zone metrics with the Kingston Frontenacs to sharpening in-game analytics for one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, Josh has seen firsthand how data transforms pro hockey decision-making. Josh explains how he translates complex statistical models into quick-hit insights for coaches, scouts, and front-office staff—from daily player evals to long-term trade and contract strategies. He also draws on his PhD training in statistics (and prior experience at Apple) to highlight the importance of building user-friendly dashboards, fostering trust with skeptical stakeholders, and doubling down on communication skills to make your analytics truly actionable. Whether you’re an NHL hopeful looking to automate your own analytics workflow or a data enthusiast intrigued by real-time puck- and player-tracking, this episode offers a deep dive into how advanced stats can give a storied hockey club its competitive edge. Key Takeaways: Neutral-Zone Insights: Why controlling the middle of the ice often makes the biggest difference in modern hockey. Building Trust: How to show coaches that data can simplify their workflow—rather than complicate it. PhD Rigor Meets NHL Pressure: Balancing “speed vs. completeness” when your metrics directly impact roster decisions. Advanced Tech Stack: R, Python, AWS, and real-time puck tracking—scaling analytics in a fast-moving environment. Communication Counts: Why writing, presenting, and “meeting coaches on their terms” matters as much as model design. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career advice, and technical breakdowns! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #HockeyAnalytics #NHL #BostonBruins #NeutralZone #DataScience #PhD #MachineLearning #Scouting #PlayerTracking #SportTech

In our fourth episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Riley Leonard, a Data Scientist in Sports Modeling & Innovation at FanDuel who’s also worked in the Boston Red Sox baseball analytics department. Riley shares how he built robust models to price MLB odds in real time, balanced fast-paced sports betting challenges, and leaned on the same pitch-by-pitch data used in MLB front offices. Riley also dives into how his academic background in behavioral economics influenced his baseball research and gave him a unique lens on batting decisions. From applying advanced R packages for predictive modeling to communicating insights with non-technical teams, Riley’s journey shines a light on the intersection of analytics, player evaluation, and sports betting innovation. Whether you’re fascinated by the fantasy baseball aspect of an MLB front office or curious about real-time sports betting operations, you won’t want to miss Riley’s insights into predictive modeling, robust data pipelines, and bridging academia with high-stakes professional environments. Key Takeaways: MLB & Sports Betting: How publicly available StatCast data underpins both front-office scouting and real-time odds making. Fast-Paced Model Updates: Why reliability and edge-case testing matter when you’re live in the sportsbook. Behavioral Biases: Applying cognitive science to understand why players swing—and what that means for predictive analytics. Communication is King: Translating complex data insights for traders, coaches, scouts, and executives alike. Building a Portfolio: Why diving into public projects—even with simple R or Python scripts—can fast-track your sports analytics career. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career advice, and technical breakdowns! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #FanDuel #MLB #BaseballAnalytics #PredictiveModeling #BehavioralEconomics #SportsBetting #DataScience #CareerAdvice #CollegeBaseballAnalytics

In the third episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Neil Pierre-Louis, a Software Engineer for Baseball Systems at the Boston Red Sox. Neil takes us on a fascinating ride—starting as an Environmental Science major, interning at Google, leading analytics projects for UNC Baseball, and now contributing to an MLB front office. Neil explains how he built a robust foundation in SQL and software development, created hockey analytics tools like expected goals models, and collaborated with coaches to turn raw data into strategic insights. He also offers candid advice on building a standout portfolio, navigating cross-departmental projects, and knowing when (and how) to showcase your work. Whether you’re already in the sports analytics space or just exploring your passion for data-driven insights, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the intersection of tech and baseball. Key Takeaways: Balancing passion projects in hockey analytics with a fast-paced MLB role Bridging Google’s large-scale processes with a startup-like environment in sports Building front-end solutions and managing tight deadlines in baseball research and development The pivotal role of SQL in handling massive sports datasets Tips for communicating complex models to non-technical stakeholders 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career advice, and technical breakdowns! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #BaseballAnalytics #BostonRedSox #SQL #HockeyAnalytics #SoftwareEngineering #DataEngineering #CareerAdvice #CollegeBaseballAnalytics

In our second episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Maezelle Millan, Senior Data Analyst at the Chicago Bulls. Maezelle takes us through her inspiring journey from collegiate basketball player at Claremont McKenna College to a thriving career in professional sports analytics. She highlights how her background as a point guard shaped her problem-solving mindset, shares the challenges she faced transitioning from a consulting role at Semler Brossy to the fast-paced world of NBA business analytics, and dives deep into her day-to-day workflow with SQL, Tableau, and CRM systems. Throughout the conversation, Maezelle explains how she collaborates with VPs and Directors in corporate partnerships, offering data-driven insights that help shape high-level decision-making. She also reveals her favorite projects—including the development of a new in-house data warehouse—and provides invaluable advice on breaking into the sports analytics field, building a standout portfolio, and sharpening both technical and soft skills. On top of that, Maezelle discusses her involvement in Women in Sports and Events (WISE) and how she’s leveraged leadership lessons from her time as a student athlete to excel in her current role. Whether you’re aiming for a career in the NBA, passionate about data analytics, or simply curious about the intersection of sports and technology, this episode is packed with practical tips, industry insights, and inspiration. Don’t miss it! 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career advice, and technical breakdowns! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. Topics Covered: Maezelle’s journey from collegiate athlete to Senior Data Analyst at the Chicago Bulls Transitioning from consulting to pro sports analytics Day-to-day responsibilities and collaboration with corporate partners Key tools and technologies (SQL, Tableau, Snowflake, DBT, CRM) Advice for aspiring analysts and portfolio development tips Leadership insights from basketball and involvement with WISE Relevant Hashtags: #SportsAnalytics #NBAAnalytics #ChicagoBulls #BasketballAnalytics #SQL #Tableau #DataVisualization #SportsTech #BusinessAnalytics #CorporatePartnerships #DataWarehouse #WomenInSports #WISE #CareerAdvice #ConsultingToSports #LeadershipSkills #AnalyticsCareers #CRM #SportsMarketing #DataScienceInSports #ProfessionalDevelopment #SportsBusiness

In the very first episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sat down with Justin Newman, the newly appointed Head of Player Analysis for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Justin takes us on a fascinating journey through his career in Major League Baseball, from his early days as a Baseball Informatics Intern to managing the Pirates' Research and Development team to his current role as Head of Player Analysis. Justin shares exclusive insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of his various roles, the challenges of transitioning into leadership, and his vision for the future of baseball analytics. He also dives deep into the technical side, discussing the predictive models his team relies on, the programming languages and tools they use, and standout projects that shaped his career.Whether you’re an aspiring sports analyst, a baseball fan, or simply curious about how data shapes decisions in professional sports, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration. Learn what it takes to break into the field, how to build a standout portfolio, and which skills Justin looks for when hiring new analysts.If you're passionate about sports analytics or looking to kickstart your career in the industry, this is an episode you won't want to miss! 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career advice, and technical breakdowns! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is "Nomu" by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #BaseballAnalytics #PittsburghPirates #PredictiveModeling #BaseballData #MLBCareers #SportsTechnology #Sabermetrics #BaseballResearch #PerformanceAnalysis #SportsDataScience #MLBStats #BaseballMetrics #PlayerAnalysis #Statcast #DataVisualization #SportsData #BaseballOperations #RProgramming #PythonForSports #BigDataBaseball #MachineLearningBaseball #ScoutingAnalytics #PlayerEvaluation #AdvancedMetrics #AnalyticsCareers #BaseballScouting