Using Data and Analytics in Sports

Friday, October 21st at 12-1pm in ASB 225

Please join us for a DMC Lecture Series event on Using Data and Analytics in Sports, given by Dr. Scott Nestler, Principal Data Scientist & Optimization Lead, SumerSports LLC!

The use of data and analytics in sports has changed significantly in the nearly two decades since the release of the book “Moneyball” in 2003.  Moving from descriptive to predictive and prescriptive (in terms of the types of analytics used), this evolution was enabled by changes in the type (box score, play-by-play, tracking) of data, as well as growth in quantity and improvements in quality.  Analytic methods are being used to measure and predict individual and team performance, prevent injuries, and improve business outcomes. Besides providing a variety of examples from across different sports, I will provide suggestions on how those seeking to get into the growing field of sports analytics can ensure that they have the skills that are sought by teams and other organizations.

This talk was supported by a grant from the Ramapo College Foundation.

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Scott is a “pracademic” who joined the Sumer Sport team in 2022, after a variety of experiences, including:  Data Science Senior Manager / Director of Statistics & Modeling at Accenture Federal Services; Academic Director for the MS in Business Analytics program at Notre Dame, and a full career as an operations research analyst (and leader of analytic teams) in the U.S. Army. He teaches as an Adjunct Faculty Member for Notre Dame and SMU. Scott is very involved as a volunteer and leader with the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), where he served as the first Chair of the Analytics Certification Board, the governing body for the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) program. He has a PhD in Management Science from the University of Maryland – College Park, is a CAP, and also an Accredited Professional Statistician (PStat).  He is co-author of the book
“Mathletics: How Gamblers, Managers, and Fans Use Mathematics in Sports,” Princeton University Press, 2002.

His motto is, “Make yourself useful, doing something hard, with good people.” Scott enjoys traveling (he’s been to all 50 states and 25 countries), reading, cooking, and sitting around the firepit with family and friends.

Categories: Lecture Series