Sports analyst

What is a Sports Analyst?

In any field of STEM, data analysis is a crucial aspect. Analysis is often done by a statistician, by organizing and performing calculations on large sets of numbers, using computer software. In the world of sports and athletics, this is no exception! 

You may have heard of the film Moneyball, where Brad Pitt stars as a manager with the Oakland Athletics, and uses data analysis to put together a winning baseball team. In real life, their success brought a lot of attention to sports statistics and analytics as a worthwhile strategy. This concept is now applied across all areas of sports and athletics and is big business in the industry. 

What things do sports analysts track and evaluate?

Anything that can be considered of value to the game may be the key to choosing valuable players, unlocking an athlete's potential, or identifying weaknesses in the strategy of a team. 

Here are some examples of commonly tracked data:

  • MLB pitching stats (speed, spin, fouls etc)

  • Top Major league soccer goal scorers

  • Baseball exit velocity

  • Lineup efficiency

  • Figure skater spin speed and rotation, height if jumps etc

  • Average score per season per player

  • Number of ball steals per game in soccer/basketball

  • Most effective player position/”heat” maps (basketball)

  • Goalie block success rate (soccer)

Career Outlook:

So…is there demand for this unique career field? Absolutely! Sports Analysts are employed in many areas, including the NBA, NFL and Olympic teams. Some of these individuals are extremely helpful to  their team coach, in choosing players and developing game strategy. A sports analyst with a proven impact can make a six figure salary! 

Education and Skills:

To be a sports analyst, you need a degree in mathematics or statistics and the right skills. Math is an expected skill, but analysts also utilize computer coding when the perfect software or algorithm just doesn’t exist. Communication skills are also important, so that an analyst can help the coaches and players understand their recommendations. 

Skills:

  • Math

  • Organization

  • Coding

  • Communication


Career Spotlight:

Let’s hear from Ivana Seric, a Sports Analyst with the NBA, about her inspiring career journey!

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