This week we had the honor to interview a group of ATP/WTA sports performance experts in pro tennis.

* Al Murphy, senior S&C coach at Tennis Australia. Al works with tennis players such as Rinky Hijikata, Emerson Jones and Aleks Vukic. He is also the head of sports science at Tennis Australia.

* Abdul Sillah, an experienced performance coach. Abdul has worked with top players such as Serena Williams, and Naomi Osaka.

* Mark Kovacs, CEO of Kovacs Institute, and Executive Director, International Tennis Performance Association.

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on the following topics:

* With the ATP and WTA calendars more packed than ever, how top players and their teams adapting training and recovery protocols to handle the relentless travel and match load.

* In such a physically demanding and competitive era, what specific innovations in strength, conditioning, and on-court movement training are giving players an edge.

* How teams are balancing the need for recovery—sleep, nutrition, soft tissue work—with the pressures of back-to-back matches, media obligations, and constant travel.

* Given how tight the margins are in the top 100, how practitioners are helping players gain psychological and physiological resilience—especially after tough losses or during long tours.

* As the game continues to evolve—with more power, speed, and longer rallies—how training methods are adapting to meet the demands of modern tennis.

You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Abdul, Al and Mark located at the top of this blog post.

Here are some of the best quotes of our conversation with them:

1. Adapting Training and Recovery to a Packed Calendar

Al Murphy (Tennis Australia):

“For players who aren't cemented at the very top — not the seeded players at Slams — they’re often playing week in, week out to chase ranking points. For them, we’re always balancing short bursts of training with recovery between matches, especially when they only win one or two rounds. They don’t have the luxury of time. For the top players, it's a different story — they can afford to skip some 250s or even 500s to manage their load and preserve performance. But across the board, what’s really tough is the mental toll: the monotony of weekly losses, the pressure to perform, and the constant travel. That’s what adds up. That’s where you see burnout."

Mark Kovacs (Kovacs Institute):

“Unlike team sports, tennis players don’t know their schedule more than a few weeks out. It’s chaos compared to the NFL or NBA, where you get your calendar a year in advance. Here, a player might enter three tournaments hoping to qualify for just one — that unpredictability changes everything. As a coach or performance specialist, you have to be flexible and ready with different workouts based on whether your athlete wins, loses, travels last-minute, or picks up an extra match. It’s a constant adaptation game. And if you're someone who likes predictability, this environment probably isn’t for you.”

Abdul Sillah (Performance Coach):

“For me, it’s all about preparation — but not just physical. It’s about getting the mind ready for uncomfortable situations. That’s where most players fall apart — not because of physical fatigue, but because they’re mentally unprepared for the grind. When I worked with Naomi (Osaka), I knew I had to build her resilience before we built her strength. It’s exciting because you’re forced to get creative — adapting schedules, being a psychologist, sometimes just being there to calm them down and help them make sense of what’s happening.”

2. Innovations in Strength, Conditioning, and On-Court Movement Training

Abdul Sillah:

“I’ve always been a bit old school — foundational movement comes first. But one tool that’s really changed how I work is the Quick Board. It allows me to be hands-off, so I can observe. It measures cognitive response and movement quality in real time. It helps train the brain-body connection — essential in a sport like tennis where decision-making, anticipation, and precision all happen in milliseconds. That’s my go-to for building efficient movement under pressure.”

Al Murphy:

“We use Blaze Pods during travel — simple but effective for reaction and cognitive drills. On the court and in the gym, we've leaned into contraction-specific technologies like flywheels and the 1080 Quantum, which we use both for traditional resistance and for tennis-specific overload. But a real game-changer has been wearable resistance like Lila — it’s light, versatile, and allows players to train with resistance during actual tennis movement. You can place the weight to assist or resist movement patterns. It becomes a feedback tool — helping athletes feel changes and self-correct, without sacrificing speed or technique.”

Mark Kovacs:

“I still swear by heart rate. We’ve got decades of trusted data — it’s still incredibly valuable for conditioning and workload monitoring. Velocity-based training is another one — it teaches players that strength without speed is useless in tennis. The goal isn’t to deadlift more; it’s to move explosively off the mark. But here’s the issue: a lot of products out there have error rates of 20 to 30 percent. Athletes are making performance decisions off unreliable data. Sometimes I tell people — you’re better off using nothing than using something that gives you false confidence.”

3. Balancing Recovery with Travel and Obligations

Abdul Sillah:

“For me, this part — sleep, recovery, nutrition — this is the easiest to control because it’s non-negotiable. I tell every athlete: the best athlete is the one who’s available. If you’re injured or constantly rundown, you’re no use to your team or your sponsors. A lot of tennis players don't prioritize nutrition until it’s too late. They think they can out-train a poor routine. We set strict discipline early: how you eat, when you rest, how you recover — these are all foundational. Without it, you’re building on sand.”

Al Murphy:

“It really is a team game behind the scenes. The player might be the CEO, but they need to trust the advice of coaches, physios, nutritionists. At the top level, these routines are well-established. You’ll see ice baths, compression, soft tissue, meal prep — but it’s tailored to the player, the surface, match finish time, and next match day. We also focus a lot on tendon health and load management — not just what’s sexy, but what keeps athletes durable for the long haul.”

Mark Kovacs:

“Recovery is where the industry’s exploding — there are 10 new gadgets every month. The problem? Athletes start trying everything. It becomes a recovery circus — infrared this, cryo that. The best athletes keep it simple. They don’t chase fads. They find what works — low risk, high trust — and they do it religiously.In tennis especially, the issue is there’s no regulation on who can call themselves a coach or trainer. So you’ve got people giving recovery advice without the experience or science to back it up. That’s a huge risk.”

4. Helping Players Build Resilience During Long Tours or After Losses

Mark Kovacs:

“One of the most powerful traits in elite players is their short-term memory. They can lose a match and bounce back like it never happened. That’s not just genetics — that’s training. They’ve got a structure, a support team that knows what to say and when to say it. When a player starts spiraling after losses, that team can redirect their focus — emotionally, tactically, physically. The problem is, many players change coaches because that connection isn’t there. But when it is, that bond becomes a competitive advantage.”

Al Murphy:

“Our Aussie players often leave home in February and don’t return until November. That kind of travel can really wear you down. We try to create small ‘home bases’ — former colleges, family stops in Europe, apartments in the UK. Little anchors of normalcy. These stops let players reset — mentally and emotionally — so that the next tournament doesn’t feel like another brick in the wall. That’s where resilience really starts — off the court.”

Abdul Sillah:

“It’s about knowing the player — their psychological makeup, their triggers. You start by watching how they react in training. When they lose, we help them zoom out. One match doesn’t define them. We build protocols for tough stretches — that might mean bringing in family, taking a break from the team, or just getting off the grid for a few days. And from the start, we teach them that failure is part of the process. If you learn from it, it’s not a loss.”

5. Adapting Training to the Power and Speed of Modern Tennis

Abdul Sillah:

“When I started working with Naomi, people laughed when I said my goal was to create the perfect athlete — not just a tennis player, but a hybrid. I wanted the mindset of a boxer, the conditioning of a soccer player, the agility of a basketball player, the explosiveness of an NFL athlete. People said it couldn’t be done. But when she came on the scene and dominated, suddenly they understood. That’s the future of tennis — real athletes, not just skilled players. You have to go where others aren’t willing to go.”

Mark Kovacs:

“The game is evolving at breakneck speed — players are taller, faster, hitting harder. Court surfaces are grittier, rallies are longer. But here’s the problem: the faster the game, the more strain on the body. And unlike other sports, tennis has no real off-season. If you go weeks without proper training, you drop off. So you need to condition during competition, which is a nightmare puzzle for practitioners. The ones who succeed are the ones who can endure — who do the boring stuff right, every single day.”

Al Murphy:

“Taller players used to just rely on their serve. Now they’re moving like the smaller guys. So we’re solving a new set of problems: how do we prepare a 6’6” guy to slide, pivot, and change direction without blowing out his knees? The answer starts early. We need to train movement efficiency and joint resilience in the development phase — when they’re 14, not 24. By the time they hit the tour, we don’t have time to teach fundamentals anymore. That’s why we use tech like motion tracking, wearables — to build a predictive, long-term roadmap for each athlete’s body and playing style.”

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Dear colleague,This week I sat down with David Daoud, CEO of Compliance Standards to share my thoughts on the impact of trade tariffs on sports tech companies and products, on companies’ innovation and R&D. We also discussed the main hubs for sports tech startups are located, what the most innovative sports tech startups are coming from. We also touched on what the revenue and profitability profile of some of the most successful sports tech startups looks like today.

You can listen to the audio interview by clicking on the above button or just watch the full video interview by clicking on the “Watch the video interview below”. You can also check out the best quotes of my interview in the section below.

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, I touched on:

* If trade tariffs are impacting sports tech products.

* If pro teams are reporting to you an impact on pricing due to the tariffs.

* If we are seeing companies diversifying or near-shoring near the US due to the Tariffs.

* If the tariffs are impacting innovation and R&D budget of the sports tech startups yet.

* What the distribution by regions of where most of the sports tech products are coming from.

* Where we see innovation coming form in the world of sports and tech today.

* What the revenue and profitability profile of some of the most successful sports tech startups looks like today.

Best,

You can read the full transcript of the interview located at the top of this blog post. Here are below the best quotes from my interview:

Q1. Are trade tariffs impacting sports tech products?

“I think we're starting to see the early effects. The other day, I came across an ad from a performance tech vendor—it's a hardware device—and they explicitly stated in the ad, ‘Because of the tariffs, we're going to have to increase the price.’ That was the first time I saw a company so directly connect their pricing decisions to tariff policy. What’s happening is that tariffs—particularly those raised by the Trump administration on imports from China and other countries—are increasing the cost of manufacturing for a lot of these performance tech companies, especially ones producing in places like Shenzhen. Margins are tightening, and the simplest way for vendors to deal with that is to pass the increased cost on to customers. While we’re not seeing a mass shift yet, I do expect that more and more vendors will follow suit over the coming months.”

Q2. Are teams reporting to you an impact on pricing due to the tariffs?

“Interestingly, no teams have told me directly that tariffs are raising their costs, but I am seeing indirect budget pressure—especially in college sports. One major factor is NIL—Name, Image, and Likeness. I recently spoke with a vendor who sells a $35,000 machine. Historically, schools would find donors to fund this kind of tech. But in this case, the coaching staff decided to use the donor's $35K pledge to help make a $1.5 million NIL offer to a recruit instead. That tells you a lot. Athletic departments are being forced to choose between investing in tech and spending big on player recruitment. So while tariffs haven’t yet visibly impacted team spending, the overall budget environment is tightening, and sports tech investments are sometimes the first to get squeezed.”

Q3. Are you seeing companies diversifying or near-shoring due to the tariffs?

“It’s still early days for that. Most of these vendors have long-standing manufacturing relationships in China, where labor costs are still very competitive—even with the tariffs. That said, I’ve heard some companies are exploring alternatives like Mexico or even Costa Rica. The key is doing the math—if relocating production ends up costing more due to higher wages or logistics, it might not be worth it. However, there are other benefits driving these conversations too. Quality control is a big one. Some vendors complain about specs or colors being wrong when working with Chinese factories. Also, proximity matters—being able to visit a factory quickly is a huge plus. Flying to Costa Rica is easier and faster than flying halfway across the world to China. So while tariffs alone aren’t driving mass shifts yet, factors like QA and geographic access are encouraging some vendors to investigate nearshoring.”

Q4. Are the tariffs impacting innovation and R&D budgets of sports tech startups yet?

“From what I’ve seen, no. Most sports tech startups keep their R&D teams close to their headquarters—whether that’s in the U.S., Europe, or Canada. That’s because R&D is critical, and quality can’t be compromised. These companies want tight control over product design, testing, and iteration. While a few exceptions exist—some have engineering teams in Vietnam or other lower-cost countries—by and large, engineering stays local. So tariffs on components or manufacturing don’t really impact the innovation side directly. If anything, I’d say companies are trying to keep R&D shielded from cost pressures because that’s where their competitive edge lives.”

Q5. What is the distribution by regions of where most sports tech products are coming from?

“The majority of high-performance sports tech products are coming from Western Europe and North America, particularly the U.S. and Canada. There’s also significant innovation happening in Australia, and we’re seeing some solid products from Japan, South Korea, and parts of South America. But the core of the market—especially for elite teams—is dominated by vendors from the U.S. and Europe. These are the regions with strong R&D, deep ties to professional sports leagues, and the infrastructure to support product scaling. We track 450+ top performance tech products and companies from all over the world.”

Q6. Where do you see innovation coming from in the world of sports tech today?

“The U.S. continues to lead, thanks largely to its venture capital ecosystem and the influence of Silicon Valley. But Europe is very strong, too. Countries like England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Israel are producing truly innovative companies. Israel, for example, punches way above its weight. Despite its small size, it’s launched several startups that have gained traction in U.S. pro sports. France, while it has some good companies, hasn’t stood out as a top innovator. I’ve heard French teams themselves say they’re frustrated with the lack of variety—they see the same French vendors bidding on every RFP and want more international options. So the most innovative hubs right now are probably the U.S., the U.K., Israel, and Australia.”

Q7. What is the revenue and profitability profile of some of the most successful sports tech startups today?

“It really depends. Some companies are doing $10 million in annual revenue; others are north of $100 million. A lot are still break-even—$1 million in revenue, $1 million in costs. But the ones that scale successfully all tend to have a few things in common: strong R&D processes, top-tier engineering and product teams, and strong sales. Having a great product isn’t enough—you need to know how to sell it and how to support your customers well. Software companies, especially AMS platforms, tend to be more profitable than hardware-focused ones. That’s because hardware is capital intensive—manufacturing, inventory, QA all eat into your margin. The most successful companies in our space—like Teamworks and Catapult—have thousands of team customers and have built powerful ecosystems. Meanwhile, many startups start in sports for credibility but eventually pivot to other verticals—like construction, healthcare, or military—where the deals are bigger and more scalable. That’s often the real play, especially from an investor’s perspective.”

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This week we have the honor to interview again Dr. Ron Dick, associate professor of sports marketing at Duquesne University in the school of business. Ron also worked for 20 years in sports, including 15 years in the NBA with the Sixers and the Nets, and then five years in the NCAA. You can watch the full video interview by clicking on the link above or by listen to the audio podcast link above.

You can also read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Ron located at the top of this blog post.

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on the following topics:

* The NFL, OTA’s official team activities

* The passing of Jim Irsay

* Netflix documentary “The Fall of Favre”

* The MLB standings

* The NBA playoffs, NBA draft,

* The NHL playoffs

* The MLB’s plan to invest in a pro softball league.

* Rafael Nadal gets a grand slam tribute at the French Open

* The NIL.

* TNT’s last show with Charles Barkley, Shaq. Kenny & Ernie.

Here are the best quotes from our interview with Ron:

Q1. The NFL’s OTA (Organized Team Activities)

“Right now in the NFL off-season, all the teams are in the midst of OTAs—Organized Team Activities. These sessions are voluntary, but many players show up, even if they’re not in pads or going full contact. It's a chance for new draft picks and free agents to integrate, and for coaching staff to lay foundational work. Here in Pittsburgh, for example, there’s a lot of talk on local sports radio about Aaron Rodgers. There’s this ongoing discussion—if he’s going to be part of the team, why hasn’t he signed yet? So there’s anticipation, but also excitement, especially because Pittsburgh is set to host the 2026 NFL Draft. The city is gearing up to break the attendance record set by Detroit in 2024, where over 775,000 people attended and the city brought in more than $213 million in revenue. These events bring real economic value—hotels are full, restaurants are packed—it’s fresh money into the local economy. If we can top that, it’s going to be a major win for the city.”

Q2. The Passing of Jim Irsay

“The passing of Jim Irsay really resonated throughout the NFL community. He was only 65, which is young by today’s standards. A lot of people remember his father, Robert Irsay, who infamously moved the Colts from Baltimore to Indianapolis in the middle of the night back in 1984—literally packing up in Mayflower trucks. That move earned him nicknames like ‘The Mayflower Guy’ or ‘Midnight Cowboy.’ Jim inherited the team and built his own legacy, but he also carried that history. His passing is not just a loss for Indianapolis, it’s a loss for the league. The Irsay name has been tied to one of the most memorable franchise moves in NFL history, and Jim played a central role in continuing that story.”

Q3. Netflix Documentary “The Fall of Favre”

“The new Netflix documentary ‘The Fall of Favre’ is shedding light on a really unfortunate but important story. Brett Favre, who many once idolized as a blue-collar icon and legendary quarterback, has been tied to multiple controversies—including allegations of sexual harassment during his stint with the Jets and now this welfare fraud case in Mississippi. The documentary goes deep, showing texts, financial records, and public silence from Favre. It’s especially troubling considering that this involved money being siphoned away from low-income residents in one of the poorest states in the country. It’s a reminder that fame and legacy don’t give you immunity, and in today’s climate, accountability is finally catching up with stories that might’ve been brushed aside a generation ago.”

Q4. The MLB Standings

“The MLB season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. Here in Philadelphia, the Phillies are red hot in the NL East, while the Mets are also playing solid ball. The Cubs look great in the Central, and St. Louis is overperforming expectations. Out west, the Dodgers, Padres, and Giants are all stacked—it’s a three-way race. Over in the American League, the Yankees are leading the AL East, Detroit is unexpectedly strong, and Cleveland is holding steady. In the AL West, Seattle and Houston are neck and neck, and while the Rangers are a bit behind, they’ve got the roster to turn it around. It’s a deep field with a lot of parity, which makes for great baseball.”

Q5. The NBA Playoffs and NBA Draft

“This year’s NBA playoffs have been incredibly exciting because, for the first time in a while, it feels like nearly any of the remaining teams could win the title. OKC is making a deep run and showing that their rebuild strategy—trading away stars like Harden, Westbrook, and Durant for draft picks—has paid off. They hit on those picks and developed the talent. Look at SGA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Originally drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, he was traded to the Clippers and then to OKC. Now he’s the league MVP and considered one of the most efficient and selfless leaders in the NBA. That says a lot about their development system and team culture. On the Eastern side, the Knicks and Pacers are in a gritty series. The Knicks have nothing to lose, while all the pressure is on Indiana. As for the draft, it looks strong—deep with real contributors. Cooper Flagg is expected to go number one to the Mavericks, who miraculously landed that pick. He’s a generational player, and this draft could have long-term impact for several franchises.”

Q6. The NHL Playoffs

“We’ve got a thrilling rematch in this year’s Stanley Cup Final—Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers have made it to the Finals for the third consecutive year, which is a testament to their consistency in the Eastern Conference. But I think this time around, Edmonton has the upper hand. They learned a lot from last year’s loss, and they have the firepower and depth to take it. If they can stay disciplined and get solid goaltending, I believe they’ll finally hoist the Cup. It’s going to be a hard-fought series either way, but I’d put my money on the Oilers.”

Q7. MLB’s Plan to Invest in a Pro Softball League

“The MLB’s investment in professional women’s softball, through the new A-USL league, is a really exciting development. It reminds me of how the WNBA got off the ground in 1997. The NBA’s backing made all the difference—shared facilities, access to marketing and ticketing infrastructure, experienced coaches. That foundation helped the WNBA survive those tough early years and grow into what it is today. The A-USL could follow the same path, especially since there’s already a strong fanbase for NCAA women’s softball. MLB is planning to put real money behind this—investing in facilities, helping with television deals, leveraging their own sales and marketing staff. That kind of ecosystem can make this league sustainable. And with stars like Caitlin Clark proving the commercial viability of women’s sports, this is a smart move. If done right, A-USL could be the next big success story in women’s pro sports.”

Q8. TNT’s last show with Charles Barkley, Shaq. Kenny & Ernie.

“It is the end of an era for Inside the NBA on TNT. The chemistry of Charles, Shaq, Kenny, & Ernie is undeniable. After 35 years the NBA is making a change. The interaction between Shaq and Charles is sport TV at its best”.

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This week we have the honor to interview a group of rehab and performance experts across the NFL and NHL. We discussed concussion assessment and management, their approach to this topic, the various modalities, best practices and trends that they are seeing in the market.

* Alexi Pianosi, Head S&C coach at the Colorado Avalanche, an NHL team.

* Kim Brouzes, an experienced Canadian sports therapist and CEO of Kinmetrix which built an advanced neck strengthening device collecting data.

* Ryan Juarez, the director of rehabilitation at the Commanders, an NFL team.

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on concussion assessment and management related topics especially:

* How concussion assessment protocols have evolved in their sports over the past few years, and which new tools or technologies (e.g., SCAT6, eye-tracking, neurocognitive platforms, and in-race or in-game monitoring) are being integrated today.

* What roles wearable technologies, video analysis, saliva analysis, connected mouth guards, sensor based helmets, or AI are playing in real-time concussion detection and post-impact evaluation across their sports (NFL, NHL).

* How sports organizations handle education and awareness for players, coaches, and staff around concussion risk, symptoms, and reporting culture.

* Looking forward, what they see as the next frontier in concussion prevention or management—whether it’s data, equipment, policy, and so on.

You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview located at the top of this blog post.

Here are some of the best quotes of our conversation with Alexi, Kim and Ryan:

1. How have concussion assessment protocols evolved, and what new tools are being integrated?

Kim Brouzes:

“In Ontario, we have something called Rowan’s Law. It came about after Rowan Stringer, a young athlete, tragically passed away from Second Impact Syndrome. This law brought in strict rules for diagnosing and managing concussions. If a concussion is suspected, the athlete must be referred to a doctor or nurse practitioner for diagnosis, and then they're put into what we call a protocol. We mandate 24 hours of brain rest, then begin aerobic activity, neck treatments, and from there we figure out what type of concussion they’re dealing with—whether it's visual, vestibular, cervicogenic, or another type. There are about six different systems we consider. This informs the specific treatment plan and helps us guide them through recovery in a structured, safe manner. It’s a highly legislated and systematic approach designed to prioritize athlete health.”

Ryan Juarez:

“When I started in the NFL as an intern in 2005, concussion protocols were pretty limited. By 2012, when I came back full time, awareness had improved, but we were still figuring a lot out. Now, things have evolved tremendously in a positive way. In the NFL, we use tools like C3 Logic as part of baseline and return-to-play screening, and we still use Impact testing. At the college level, I’ve also worked with Sway, which assesses balance. There are now spotters in the booth looking for visible signs during games, and we’ve got league- and conference-driven assessment protocols we have to follow. All of this is a far cry from when I started. We’re more structured, more evidence-driven, and far better equipped to identify and manage concussions.”

Alexi Pianosi:

“Over the last 10 years, concussion management has improved significantly, especially in pro sports. But what's also become clear is how little we still know. We’ve moved away from a one-size-fits-all approach, and now recognize that different teams, organizations, and even individual practitioners can approach concussion management differently. Some are more risk-averse, some are quicker to return players based on symptoms and initial tests. That variability isn’t necessarily bad—it allows for creativity and innovation—but it also means there’s no standardized protocol across the board. Laws like Rowan’s Law are a step toward consistency, but we’re still in the early stages of understanding how to best manage and treat concussions comprehensively.”

2. What role are wearable technologies, video analysis, saliva analysis, connected mouthguards, or AI playing? Differences across sports?

Ryan Juarez:

“I’ve had experience using sensor-based helmets and connected mouthguards, particularly at the college level. We used them to identify the type and location of impacts, which helped inform practice planning—like what drills might be causing more head contact. We also had a donor-funded saliva biomarker study with our women’s lacrosse team, which was fascinating. I’m still learning about a lot of this newer tech—AI, surface EMG, etc.—but I’m excited by it. One example Kim told me about was a Canadian researcher using EMG sensors on the knees to track the delay in brain-to-muscle signal transmission post-concussion. That’s pretty wild and really promising. But even with all the tech, I keep reminding myself and others: sometimes, good clinical judgment and knowing your athlete can be the most valuable tools.”

Kim Brouzes:

“There’s a ton of innovation right now—saliva testing for biomarkers post-concussion, surface EMG sensors showing delayed muscle responses linked to the autonomic nervous system, eye tracking, AI... But no matter how many tools you have, we can’t overlook the importance of the human element. When you know your athlete, you see mood changes, eye movement differences, or how they carry themselves. That’s something tech can’t fully replicate. It’s exciting to have all these new ways to gather data, but you’ve got to use your instincts and experience too. Impact and symptom should still equal removal from play, full stop.”

Alexi Pianosi:

“There’s a ton of promise in wearable devices, saliva testing, and other tech, but we’re not at the point where we can definitively say, ‘This metric means a concussion.’ It’s not like speeding on a highway where 65 mph is a clear threshold. You might see one guy take a massive hit and bounce back totally fine, while another barely gets touched and can’t remember who you are. The variability is massive. So we need to gather data on mouthguards, biomarkers, reaction time—all of it—but we also need to understand what those measurements mean in context. Eventually, I hope we’ll get to a point where we can say, ‘This sensor measures the vestibular response really well, this one the visual system,’ and build an integrated view of what a concussion really looks like on multiple levels.”

3. How does your organization handle education and awareness around concussions?

Alexi Pianosi:

“In the NHL, every training camp starts with a mandatory concussion education video. It features former players sharing their stories and symptoms. It’s definitely valuable, though for veterans it can get repetitive over time. That said, the cultural shift is the most important part. The old ‘play through it’ mentality is mostly gone now. Players take it seriously. If they’ve got symptoms, they speak up. And that’s a huge step forward for long-term brain health and player safety.”

Ryan Juarez:

“In both the NFL and at the college level, there’s required education at the start of every season. The biggest change I’ve seen, though, is how players look out for each other. Ten years ago, guys would hide symptoms to stay on the field. Now, you’ll hear teammates saying, ‘Go get checked out.’ That shift in peer culture is powerful. The more that happens, the more likely we are to catch injuries early and keep guys safe.”

Kim Brouzes:

“Here in Ontario, the education component is taken seriously. Athletes and coaches must complete online training at the start of the season. Anyone—coaches, trainers, even media—can pull a player out if a concussion is suspected. The messaging is improving, too. It’s less fear-based now and more about empowerment and awareness. When you tell athletes they may not feel like themselves for a while, and that’s normal, it helps. We educate all the way from preseason to post-return to play.”

4. What is the next frontier in concussion prevention or management?

Alexi Pianosi:

“Total prevention seems unlikely in collision sports like football or hockey. You’ve got big athletes moving fast—it’s part of the game. But the next big steps are better detection and better rehab. On the sideline, real-time diagnostics like mouthguards or saliva testing will be game-changers once the science catches up. And for the tougher cases—those 5 to 10% that don’t follow the normal recovery path—we’ll need better ways to address specific systems, like vestibular or visual issues. It’s going to take both technological innovation and clinical expertise.”

Ryan Juarez:

“If I could dream big, I’d love to see sideline tech that gives you an accurate, immediate read on whether a player has a concussion. That would be huge. I also believe in equipment upgrades—we’ve used Guardian Caps and saw our concussion numbers drop by half. That’s a real impact. And the more data we have—whether it’s load tracking, EMG, or reaction metrics—the more confident we can be about when a player is really ready to come back.”

Kim Brouzes:

“We might not be able to fully prevent concussions, but we can reduce their severity and improve how we manage them. That means fewer hits in practice, strengthening the neck, delaying contact sports until kids are older, and understanding things like sleep and nervous system balance. If we can build a profile on each athlete—their physiology, their normal responses—we can be more precise when something’s off. But I agree, knowing exactly when a concussion happens and acting quickly is the biggest leap we can make.”

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This week we had the honor to interview a group of NCAA sports performance experts.

* Dr. John DeWitt, director of applied sports science in the athletic department and a faculty member, Rice University (NCAA team).

* Eric Renaghan, Executive Director of Sport Performance, University of Miami (NCAA team).

* Drew Lukes, Senior PT at Duke University and the head of sports science, Duke university’s women soccer team (NCAA team).

You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Eric, Drew, and John located at the top of this blog post.

Here are some of the best quotes of our conversation with them:

Q1. How has the transfer portal reshaped team culture, leadership development, and continuity?

Eric Renaghan (University of Miami):

“The transfer portal has fundamentally changed college sports. It’s essentially turned the NCAA into a professional environment where you’re not just recruiting new talent, but you’re now also recruiting your own players to stay. That’s never really been the case before. What makes it especially tough is we don’t just have one transfer window like pro leagues. We’ve got multiple across the year. So, it’s constant—trying to build cohesion while guys are coming and going. From a physical performance standpoint, that part of our work doesn’t really change—we’re still focused on keeping everyone healthy and progressing—but now we have players coming in from different systems, different training histories, and we have to quickly assess and integrate them. It’s like mid-season trades in the pros, and that can really stress your culture if you’re not deliberate about it.”

Drew Lukes (Duke University):

“We’re in a transitional era where some athletes have been with their program for four or five years—before NIL, before the portal exploded—and they’re now seeing newcomers arrive with massive NIL deals. That dynamic creates tension. You might have a senior who’s contributed for years sitting next to a freshman transfer making more in NIL than they’ve ever seen. That forces some difficult conversations. From a support staff perspective, we’re having to adapt by accelerating onboarding. So, it’s all about tightening your processes while staying aligned with the coaches who are making those culture decisions.”

John DeWitt (Rice University):

“For me, it’s less about who’s transferring and more about where they are in their developmental arc. These players are still in their final stages of physical growth. From a sports science lens, I’m thinking: are we inheriting someone whose ceiling is still high, or someone who’s plateaued? And how do we integrate that understanding into our planning? You need to analyze their trajectory the same way a pro team would look at an investment. And because NIL has accelerated the frequency of transfers, you’re not just doing this a few times a year—you’re doing it constantly.”

Q2. How are NIL, tech budgets, and donations used to attract athletes—and are there concerns about sustainability or equity?

Drew Lukes:

“There’s no question that tech is being used as a recruiting tool, but we try not to lead with the gear. We lead with the people behind the technology. The question isn’t just ‘do you have a force plate?’ It’s ‘do you have staff who know how to analyze that data, give it context, and help the athlete apply it?’ Because it doesn’t matter how many gadgets you have if you don’t know what to do with them. On top of that, we’re in a strange spot financially. Coaches are now being asked to raise more money to fund NIL packages, while at the same time athletic departments are pulling back funding in other areas. So there’s a squeeze. You feel it across every role.”

John DeWitt:

“Athletes today are much more informed. They’re going to ask: What’s your tech setup? What are your testing protocols? How will this program make me better? The schools that can answer that clearly—and back it up with examples—will have an advantage. That’s where technology can play a recruiting role. It’s not about impressing them with flashing lights. It’s about showing them a roadmap to improve and reach their goals, whether that’s pro-level aspirations or personal development.”

Eric Renaghan:

“We emphasize the level of care we provide. That’s the differentiator. Yes, athletes want to know what tools and systems you use, but more than that, they want to know how those tools are being used to help them succeed. We make it clear: here’s how we’ll monitor you, here’s how we’ll individualize your programming, and here’s who you’ll be working with every day. The relationships are just as important—maybe more—than the hardware.”

Q3. Resistance and Strength Training Tech – Measuring Impact

John DeWitt:

“Force plates have been a total game-changer. They’re non-invasive, fast, and immediately useful. We track metrics like peak power, force at zero velocity, and eccentric duration. The athletes understand the numbers, the coaches do too. And here’s the impact: over the last year, we’ve seen consistent gains across all teams. It’s like a stock chart—everyone’s trending upward. That tells me that the training is working. We’re not mandating specific programs. We're just giving staff data they can use, and they’re making smarter choices. That’s ROI for us—not just injury reduction, but visible, measurable improvements in physical capacity.”

Eric Renaghan:

“The best technology is the one that answers the right questions. If we’re seeing performance plateaus or subtle signs of fatigue, we want tools that help us detect those issues early and adapt before injuries or performance drops occur. Force plates, velocity tracking—those are great, but we focus on how they fit together. ROI isn’t always a dollar figure—it’s the number of healthy athletes on the field, the absence of overuse injuries, and the ability to sustain peak output over a season.”

Q4. AMS: Centralizing Data for Smarter Decisions

Drew Lukes:

“We couldn’t afford a full AMS, so I built one using Power BI. It lets me integrate everything—subjective wellness scores, VO2 max, force plate outputs, injury records—in one place. It's free, flexible, and it works. It's not about flashy dashboards; it's about having a system that supports better decisions.”

Eric Renaghan:

“Most AMS platforms have gaps. One system might do monitoring well but fail on communication or visualization. That’s why we built our own. We use it not just to track performance and health but also to upskill our staff—learning analytics, data cleaning, communication. It’s become a developmental tool for our practitioners, not just a data warehouse. And yes, the pricing structure of many AMS vendors is frustrating. They charge big-name schools more for the same product, and when you find out, it damages trust. We’d rather invest in our own system that we control and customize.”

John DeWitt:

“We created a custom AMS that pulls data from Vald, MX3, and Catapult. I wanted to look at hydration, jump force, and movement speed in one place without flipping between dashboards. It’s about actionable insight, not just storage. Plus, we protect our proprietary models. I’m not giving a vendor our algorithms so they can resell it as a feature to other schools. If it’s core to our program’s success, I want to own and control it.”

Q5. Tech-Enabled Nutrition and Recovery

John DeWitt:

“Nutrition is just as important as force or GPS data. We use MX3 for hydration, BOD POD and InBody for body comp, and DEXA when needed. It’s about gathering simple, actionable data. We work closely with our dietitian—when she sees a player, she can also look at their performance trends, hydration status, or body comp. That cross-talk between departments is where the value comes in.”

Eric Renaghan:

“Nutrition is the fuel, the oil, the maintenance plan. We use thermal imaging, HRV, blood biomarkers—like vitamin D, ferritin, testosterone—to tailor interventions. We’re not throwing 5,000 IUs of vitamin D at everyone—we’re dosing based on labs. And it’s not just testing—it’s follow-through. We find out what players will actually eat consistently and build their plans around that. You miss a lift? No big deal. But skip nutrition? It shows up fast in performance and recovery.”

Drew Lukes:

“In women’s sports, RED-S and menstrual health are real concerns. We track cycles and watch for missed periods—because that’s a huge flag for energy deficiency. It’s not just about collecting data. We educate athletes, involve dietitians, and create support systems. One of the most powerful tools we’ve had is simply using questionnaires to trigger follow-up care. Tech is helpful, but the cultural support and education is just as critical.”

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Today we have the honor of interviewing Megan Rottler Hattori, the Associate Director of Sports Performance for Olympic Sports at Duke University (NCAA). She is also the primary sports performance coach for the women’s soccer and volleyball teams.

Before her tenure at Duke, Rottler Hattori was the Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning at Harvard University. There, she was responsible for the strength and conditioning programs of various sports, including men’s and women’s diving, women’s lacrosse, women’s rugby, softball, women’s volleyball and men’s rowing, and also assisted with the football and women’s basketball programs.

Her career in sports performance began at Southeast Missouri State University, where she initially worked as a graduate assistant before transitioning to a full-time role.

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on her background, and her role at Duke University. She also discussed how she tailors her performance programs to the specific physical and tactical demands of both soccer and volleyball. She also touched on the key strategies she uses to monitor and manage athlete recovery during the in-season grind, especially when dealing with the academic pressures of student-athletes. She also discussed what her framework is for evaluating and integrating new technologies into her performance program. Lastly she touched on what she finds to be the most challenging part of adopting new technologies in a high-performance collegiate setting—and she overcame resistance or limitations. You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Megan located at the top of this blog post.

Here are the best quotes from the interview with Megan:

1. Journey into Sports Performance & Influences

“Yeah, so I was a student athlete my whole life. I played softball in high school and even into college. I found out about sports performance when I met my collegiate strength coach and thought, ‘This is a cool profession,’ so I went the exercise science route. My senior year, I transferred to Southeast Missouri State to be closer to home and decided not to play softball anymore, which gave me more time to partake in an internship with the strength and conditioning program there. I fell in love with it—this is what I want to do. I was lucky enough to do shadowing and an internship, and they liked me enough to keep me around for a GA position and then an assistant job after that.”

“At Southeast Missouri State, I worked under Ryan Johnson, who is an amazing mentor. I definitely wouldn’t be the coach I am today without him. He was the director of the strength and conditioning program—very knowledgeable, always learning, super organized. I’d like to think I took on some of those features from him. Shoutout to Coach Ryan Johnson for giving me my start.”

2. Tailoring Programs for Soccer vs. Volleyball

“Volleyball players are typically tall and lanky—we’ve got some shorter DSs and liberos too—but generally, they have a higher training age. I like to Olympic lift them to develop coordination, bar receiving, and vertical power since volleyball is a very vertical sport. Their court is small, so we don’t get too complex with conditioning. We still do speed work, but it’s more targeted.”

“Soccer players, on the other hand, often come in without much experience in the weight room. Their training is very soccer-specific before they get to college, which is great—but that means we have to focus more on foundational work. We do loaded jumps instead of Olympic lifts and stick mostly to kettlebell and dumbbell work. We’ll use barbells occasionally, but not in a complex way. Their complexity comes from the field—conditioning, speed work, agility—so I keep things simple in the weight room to keep them healthy and performing on the field.”

“At the end of the day, I meet each athlete where they’re at. Training age matters. I’ve had soccer players who are highly trained and volleyball players who aren’t. You have to be flexible and responsive to both the sport and the individual.”

3. Monitoring & Managing Recovery During In-Season Grind

“We’re lucky here to have a sports science department that we work closely with. Both my teams use Catapult for external load, and we also use daily wellness surveys to track how athletes are feeling—soreness, mood, sleep, etc. We get that information before training. If anyone is flagged, it’s an opportunity for a conversation. I’ll go talk to the athlete—‘What’s going on today?’—and that goes a long way.”

“One athlete might always run red on the wellness survey—always tired, always sore—and that becomes their normal. If anything deviates, I know it’s worth checking in. Another athlete might always say they’re fine no matter what, and you have to know them well enough to catch when that’s not true. Relationships are key. Technology is great, but you have to be able to interpret the data through the lens of real human connection.”

“You can have all the GPS and wearable data in the world, but if you don’t know your athletes—if you can’t spot when something’s off just by talking to them—then the data won’t help you much. Coaching still has to have that human element.”

4. Framework for Evaluating and Integrating New Technology

“There’s always something new coming out—it’s exciting, but I start by asking: ‘Do we need this?’ Different sports and athletes have different needs. If there’s a real need, then I start looking at what the best product out there is. And a big one for me is: ‘Do I know someone who’s already using it?’ If so, I’ll reach out to them and ask what their experience has been like before I even consider a trial.”

“I really appreciate what you guys are doing with Upside—it helps cut through some of the noise. Because honestly, a lot of times people just try to sell you something. You’ve got to look past the marketing and ask whether this tech is going to solve a specific problem we have.”

“I’ve definitely seen both sides—where something makes a real difference, and where something just doesn’t fit into our workflow or isn’t necessary. If you can’t explain the ‘why’ to your team—why we’re using this, what it’s going to help with—then you probably don’t need it.”

5. Challenges of Adopting Technology in a Collegiate Setting

“Whenever you introduce something new, there’s going to be pushback from someone—either a coach or an athlete. That’s where education comes in. I do the research, get excited about the product, and then bring that to the coaches. I explain what it is, what the science says, how it helps. Then we educate the athletes—‘This will help your recovery,’ or ‘This will improve your performance’—and most of the time, they’ll buy in if you explain it well.”

“I’ve also learned to keep it simple. I remember the first time I used ForceDecks—I was looking at everything, all the metrics. It was too much. My brain was overwhelmed. Now, I have three or four KPIs that I watch and that’s it. I don’t need to overcomplicate it. Same thing with the NordBoard and ForceFrame—we keep it simple and bucket the athletes based on their testing.”

“There’s a point where too much data becomes noise. It doesn’t help—it just slows you down. The technology should serve the program, not the other way around. So we’ve learned to streamline and only focus on what’s actionable.”

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Today we have the honor of interviewing C.J. Watson, a former NBA player (Chicago Bulls, Warriors, Broolyn Nets) turned investor and author of children books.

C.J. Watson is a former professional basketball player who transitioned into a successful career as a children's book author and philanthropist. Born on April 17, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Watson played college basketball at the University of Tennessee, where he became the school's second all-time leader in assists and steals. Despite going undrafted in the 2006 NBA Draft, he embarked on a professional basketball career that spanned over a decade. Watson played for several NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Orlando Magic, and also had stints overseas in countries like Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

After retiring from basketball, Watson focused on inspiring youth through literature. He authored the "CJ's Big Dream" series, which includes titles like "CJ's Big Dream," "CJ's Big Project," "CJ's Big Moment," and "CJ and His Magic Socks." These books aim to motivate children to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges by believing in themselves and working hard.

In addition to his writing, Watson is dedicated to philanthropy. He established the Quiet Storm Foundation in his hometown of Las Vegas, focusing on providing educational opportunities and resources to underprivileged youth. Watson's journey from the basketball court to authorship and community service exemplifies his commitment to making a positive impact beyond sports.

You can check out and buy CJ’s books here on Amazon by clicking on the link below:

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on his background, his journey to become an NBA player, his transition to investor and now author of children books. We also discussed what values or traits he is usually drawn to when he looks at the companies or founders he is looking to invest in, and how his sees his role as more than just providing capital. Lastly we discussed what he wants his legacy to be, not just as an athlete, but as an investor, author, and role model for young people.You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with C.J. located at the top of this blog post.

Here are the best quotes from the interview with C.J.:

1. From the Court to the Boardroom

Question: "Tell me about your background. How did your experiences in the NBA shape the way you approach investing and business today?"Quote:

“I wasn’t a superstar—I was undrafted, played overseas, grinded through the D-League, and eventually played ten years in the NBA. I’ve been the last guy on the bench and a starter, so I’ve seen every role and every type of team. That journey taught me resilience, patience, and how to assess situations from different angles. In business, especially as an investor, those same lessons apply. You have to do your homework, know when to take risks, and keep your ego in check. Being in the NBA, you learn quickly that talent only gets you so far—it's your work ethic and your mindset that carry you. I apply that same mentality to every business opportunity I look at.”

2. Purpose Behind the Pages

Question: "What inspired you to start writing children’s books, and what messages are you hoping to pass on to the next generation?"Quote:

“Honestly, writing children’s books wasn’t something I planned. I was sitting on the couch after I retired, thinking, ‘How can I keep inspiring kids if I’m not on the court anymore?’ I wanted to share my story in a way that was relatable, positive, and lasting. So I called a former coach who had written books and just dove in. My first book is about making it to the NBA through hard work. The others focus on things like the importance of doing your homework, handling bullying in a positive way, and expanding your worldview by traveling. Each one comes from my real-life experiences growing up in inner-city Las Vegas and the values my parents instilled in me. It’s about showing kids that they matter, their dreams are valid, and they can overcome anything.”

3. Transition and Identity

Question: "Many athletes struggle with life after sports. What was the hardest part of your transition, and how did you find a new sense of purpose?"Quote:

“The toughest part was finding my identity beyond basketball. For so many years, that’s who I was—CJ Watson, the basketball player. But even during my career, I was intentional about preparing for life after. Every summer I’d do internships—at Google, EA Sports, American Express, in real estate—just to see what else I liked and to build experience. I didn’t want to be one of those guys who had no plan after retirement. When I did stop playing, I focused on being present for my daughters—going to their school plays, being there for them daily. That helped center me. Writing books, investing, and running a foundation all gave me a new purpose: to inspire and uplift others, especially young people.”

4. Investing with Impact

Question: "When you look at the companies or founders you back, what values or traits are you drawn to, and how do you see your role as more than just capital?"Quote:

“I’m drawn to people who are hungry—founders who are resilient, passionate, and mission-driven. I co-invest with some of the top VCs and follow a thesis I learned from my mentor, Rashan Williams. Since 2020, I’ve invested in over 30 companies, but I don’t just write checks and disappear. I try to add value—whether that’s connecting them to people in my network, helping them think through strategies, or amplifying what they’re doing. It’s about creating real change, especially in communities like the one I grew up in. I want to back companies that are not only profitable, but purposeful.”

5. Legacy and Leadership

Question: "What do you want your legacy to be—not just as an athlete, but as an investor, author, and role model for young people?"Quote:

“I want to be remembered as more than just a basketball player. I want people to say I was someone who gave back, who cared about the next generation, and who used his platform to do good. Whether it’s through my books, my investments, or my foundation, everything I do is about helping others believe in themselves and reach their full potential. My legacy, I hope, is one of purpose, impact, and generosity. I want kids to look at me and say, ‘He made it, but he didn’t stop there—he brought others along with him.’ That’s what really matters.”

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Today we have the honor of interviewing José María Oliva Lozano, the Director of Research and Innovation at the US Soccer Federation.

José María Oliva Lozano serves as the Director of Research and Innovation at the U.S. Soccer Federation, a role he has held since November 2023. In this position, he leads initiatives that integrate advanced technologies and data-driven methodologies to enhance player development, health, and fan engagement. Prior to this, he was a Senior Manager in the same department from December 2022 to November 2023. Before joining U.S. Soccer, Oliva Lozano accumulated diverse experience in sports science and coaching. He worked as a Researcher and Lecturer at the Universidad de Almería from September 2019 to December 2022, and concurrently served as the Fitness Coach for UD Almería's U19 team from June 2021 to October 2022.

His earlier roles include positions in the Sport Science Department at RealTrack Systems SL, where he was involved in developing systems for monitoring physical activity and movement in real time, and as a Basketball Attention Manager at East Tennessee State University. Oliva Lozano's multifaceted background underscores his commitment to advancing soccer's reach and impact across various dimensions in the U.S.

📝 Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on his background, the typical process from a published research finding to real-world application on the field or in training. We also discussed the biggest barriers or friction points you encounter when trying to apply research in a high-performance soccer environment. Jose also walked us through a specific example where a research study led to a successful change in practice, whether in injury prevention, training load, or recovery. He also touched on how he evaluates whether a new research-based intervention is actually working in your environment. Lastly he gave us his opinion on what needs to change—either structurally, culturally, in how research is conducted or shared—for clubs to become more agile and effective in applying cutting-edge research.You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with José located at the top of this blog post.

Here are the best quotes from the interview with José:

Q1. From Research to Real-World Application – Process and Stakeholders

The process is never exactly the same—it really depends on the specific question we’re trying to answer. Some research starts with internal curiosity, while much of it originates from coaches or performance staff who face real, practical challenges. The first step is building alignment and ensuring everyone involved understands the 'why' behind the research. Once that’s established, we develop strategies to test the idea, sometimes through pilot studies, or on less critical training days. We may even test it internally before rolling it out to a team. The stakeholders vary by project, but typically include the high performance leadership, medical staff, coaching staff, etc. Getting everyone on the same page is critical, especially when we're trying to translate something abstract—like a research paper—into something coaches can trust and act on.

Q2. Barriers or Friction Points in Applying Research

Cultural resistance may be a hurdle. In soccer, there’s a lot of tradition, and coaches naturally rely on what’s worked for them in the past. That can make them skeptical of new methods, especially if they’re coming from academic or unfamiliar sources. We’ve learned that even the best research won’t make an impact unless we can clearly communicate it in a way that resonates with practitioners. That means simplifying findings and making them actionable. Another challenge is integrating new tools or processes into existing workflows. Anything that disrupts routines, even slightly, needs to be introduced gradually and with care. Budget constraints exist, of course, but they’re not necessarily always the biggest issue.

Q3. Example of a Research-Led Change with Measurable Impact

One of our most impactful projects has been around growth and maturation at the youth level. A few years ago, we introduced an innovative tool to assess biological maturation—not just chronological age—using ultrasound to estimate skeletal age. That gave us a whole new dimension in evaluating youth players. This tool gave scouts and coaches a more objective lens, helping them understand where each player is in their developmental journey. Now, when rosters are selected, we can use that information for better distribution across maturation stages and birth quarters. While it's still early, we're already seeing improved understanding and dialogue around these concepts, which I believe will translate into better long-term talent identification and development.

Q4. Evaluating Whether an Intervention is Working

Measuring impact is essential, but it’s not always immediate. With most of our early projects, we're still in the implementation phase, which makes short-term measurement tricky. That said, we rely heavily on qualitative feedback from staff in regular check-ins and department meetings. We also define clear KPIs at the start and track those consistently. Our goal is to build a feedback loop where data and staff experience inform each other. We’re not interested in doing research for the sake of it—we want to solve real problems, and that requires being responsive and adaptive.

Q5. Structural and Cultural Shifts Needed for Better Research Application

First and foremost, I believe every organization needs someone in-house with the background and perspective to support research and innovation. Coaches and staff are consumed with the demands of day-to-day operations—they don’t have the bandwidth to look long-term or dig into academic literature. That’s where we come in. We can step back, look at the big picture, and offer grounded insights. But to do that well, collaboration across departments is key. We need to break down silos and create shared ownership of applied research. Structurally, we need more translational work: research designed with end users in mind. Culturally, we need to foster curiosity and openness to experimentation. Just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s a threat—it could be the very thing that helps us grow. And finally, communication is critical. Many people struggle to access or understand research articles. We have to get better at sharing findings clearly, consistently, and in a way that invites others in. That’s how we build a culture of learning.

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Today we have the honor of interviewing Paul Roberson, founder of FLO Technology, a leading new innovative technology company focused on innovative equipment in the sports tech industry. Paul is joined on the call by Roderick Moore Jr, the co founder and Chief Performance Science Officer of the company.

FLO Technology develops a 360-degree speed and agility resistance training system. Their primary product is a system that allows athletes to train with resistance in all directions, replicating real-game movements. The system utilizes a harness and resistance bands to provide multidirectional resistance.

Key features and benefits include:

* 360-degree resistance training.

* Enhanced muscle engagement and stability.

* Injury prevention and rehabilitation applications.

* Improved speed and agility.

* They are also working on sensor technology to provide data insights.

Here is a video introducing their product the FLO Unleashed:

Here is a video showcasing the FLO Unleashed being used across various sports:

Customers / partners: Targets athletes of all levels, from professionals to amateurs. Aims to partner with professional and collegiate sports organizations. Also targets the direct to consumer market.

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on their respective backgrounds, their company and product, the benefits for sports organizations and teams to use their product. We also talked about their competitive advantage, business model, and their plans for the next 12 months.

You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Paul and Roderick located at the top of this blog post.

Here are the quotes from the interview with Paul and Roderick:

Q1. What inspired each of you to enter the performance space, and what led to the creation of FLO technology?

Paul Roberson:

“It actually started completely outside of sports. I originally wanted to bring to market the world’s first 360-degree hands-free dog leash because every time I’d go running with my dogs, it was a nightmare — constantly switching leashes between hands, ruining the rhythm of the run. I wanted something that moved with me around my hips. Fast forward a few years, and I put on a prototype of that leash and realized I’d accidentally created something athletes could use. Having played free safety and trained with a ton of performance equipment, I immediately saw that this could revolutionize the way we do resistance-based movement training. That’s how FLO Unleashed — and ultimately FLO Technology — was born.”

Roderick Moore:

“My path started in performance and education. I was at the University of Tennessee pursuing a PhD in sports psychology when I got pulled into coaching full-time. I ended up working as a strength coach, then moved into the sports tech space with companies like Catapult and Sparta Science. After years of being on both the coaching and tech side, I saw how hard it was to get the right data, the right tools, and make them practical in real settings. When I saw Paul’s prototype, it was one of those ‘aha’ moments — I immediately understood the potential and wanted to be part of building it from the ground up.”

Q2. How does FLO technology work, and what makes it unique compared to other resistance training tools?

Roderick Moore:

“The FLO Unleashed belt is a patented 360-degree harness that allows freedom of movement in all directions. Most belts are made of nylon and restrict transitions — from sprint to backpedal or shuffle to sprint — making movement clunky. With FLO, you get smooth, continuous motion and resistance across all planes. That’s a big leap forward. Athletes can sprint, cut, change direction — all with dynamic resistance that doesn’t get in the way. We like to say it bridges the gap between the weight room and the field of play.”

Paul Roberson:

“And it’s not just the hardware. What makes us different is that we’re building a full system. Soon, we’ll be layering on sensor data — measuring center of mass displacement, velocity, gait, acceleration, and deceleration. Eventually, coaches will get meaningful insights tied directly to how athletes are moving under load. We’re not just building another tool; we’re building an ecosystem.”

Q3. What kind of feedback are you getting from teams and athletes? Any standout success stories?

Roderick Moore:

“We’ve used it with defensive backs in both Atlanta and Pittsburgh. One example that sticks out — before games, players would warm up with traditional bungees and complain about how awkward it felt when transitioning between movements. When we introduced FLO, one of our guys said, ‘This is the smoothest warm-up I’ve ever had — I can actually feel my body syncing with the movement.’ That’s the kind of feedback we’re getting: better movement quality, smoother transitions, and more natural resistance. It’s intuitive, and athletes feel it right away.”

Paul Roberson:

“Teams like BYU (NCAA) and the Cardinals (NFL) have reached out to us — we didn’t chase them. That tells you something. We’re seeing adoption in football, but also basketball, tennis, rehab, even recreational use. Because it’s so adaptable, it’s being pulled into use cases we didn’t initially expect — like return to play protocols and rehab centers where the smooth resistance and mobility of the belt makes it ideal.”

Q4. From a scientific standpoint, what’s happening in the body when using FLO? What measurable impacts are you seeing?

Roderick Moore:

“FLO allows athletes to train with load in dynamic, multi-directional environments. That means you're activating stabilizing muscles and fast-twitch fibers without joint impact. In the future, once we integrate sensors, we’ll measure things like force output, stride variability, and power application in real-time. But even now, the athletes feel the difference. They’re engaging their core and stabilizers in a way that mirrors real game movement.”

Paul Roberson:

“You’re training for functional explosiveness in every plane of motion. Traditional resistance training is great for strength, but it doesn’t always translate directly to game-speed or cutting angles. FLO creates resistance while you move the way you play. That’s a huge physiological shift — and it shows in things like faster transitions, cleaner footwork, and better deceleration control.”

Q5. What is your business model, and how are you positioning FLO in the sports performance ecosystem?

Paul Roberson:

“We’ve got a dual business model. First, it’s hardware — we sell the belts, and that gets us into the market. But the long-term value is in the software. Once the sensors are fully embedded, teams can opt into a subscription model — getting real-time analytics, performance trends, and benchmarks. It’ll be $35,000 to $50,000 annually for access to the full data platform. Compared to legacy systems like Catapult that cost $100,000 and provide only data without the training tool — we offer a lot more value.”

Roderick Moore:

“We’re not trying to disrupt everything teams already have. We’re building a complementary system that enhances what’s already in place. Whether it’s resistance training, sprint profiling, or return-to-play — FLO can slide right into existing workflows.”

Q6. What differentiates FLO from competitors in design, outcomes, and integration?

Roderick Moore:

“It’s not just another device — it’s a hybrid. You can use FLO standalone or as a complement to platforms like 1080 Motion, OHM, or Vald. With FLO, you’re not stuck with fixed equipment in one place. You can train indoors, outdoors, during practice, or in rehab. It’s flexible, portable, and data-enabled.”

Paul Roberson:

“We designed this for athletes, by athletes. I didn’t come at this like an engineer — I came at it like a guy who’d worn every belt on the market and thought, ‘Why does this suck?’ We’re solving real problems — not building tech for the sake of tech. That’s why when I demo it, I don’t even pitch. I just say, ‘Put this on.’ They feel it. That’s the sell.”

Q7. What’s coming in the next 12 months for FLO Technology?

Paul Roberson:

“Right now, we’re manufacturing in Northern Nevada and scaling distribution to early adopters — the Steelers, Falcons, University of Tennessee, UFC teams, and others. We're also actively fundraising and expect to close a $3 million pre-seed round within the next 60 days. That will allow us to accelerate development of the tech-enabled carriage and activate our full subscription model.”

Roderick Moore:

“The roadmap is ambitious — but achievable. We want to hit 50,000 units in the next year, deploy the sensor-enabled version of the belt, and expand into verticals like rehab and youth sports. Partnerships, software updates, and data validation with research teams are all on deck. We’re building a foundation that’s scalable — from elite performance to everyday fitness.”

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Today we have the honor of interviewing Jeff Hintz, executive director of Sports tech HQ, a sports tech ecosystem builder based in the state of Indiana.

With over two decades of experience in the sports industry, Jeff has held leadership roles with the PGA of America and major events like the Ryder Cup. He was recognized as the 2016 Sportsperson of the Year by the Star Tribune for his work with the Ryder Cup in Minnesota. Prior to leading Sports Tech HQ, Hintz served as the Executive Director for the Minnesota PGA and the Director of Event Operations for the 2022 College Football Playoff. An Indianapolis native, he holds a degree in Sports Marketing & Management from Indiana University and an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business & Technology

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on his background, Sports Tech HQ’s core mission, why any sports tech startups should consider opening an office in Indiana, his plans for the next 24 months. Lastly we discussed the areas of sports tech he is the most excited about, and some of his favorite sports tech startups that he has worked with.You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Jeff located at the top of this blog post.

Here are the best quotes from the interview with Jeff:

Q1. Can you please tell me about your background?

"I come from a background in major sports event management. I spent nearly a decade at the PGA of America leading championships including the Ryder Cup and PGA Championships. That was an incredible opportunity to work on some of the most iconic events in global sports and understand what it takes to execute at the highest level."

"From there, I transitioned into leading the 2020 Minneapolis Final Four as the Executive Director. That role really opened my eyes to the economic development potential of sports. It wasn’t just about the game—it was about legacy, community impact, and building long-term value for a city. That experience really stuck with me and helped shape the way I think about sports as a catalyst for innovation and growth."

Q2. Can you tell me about Sports Tech HQ and what your core mission is?

"Sports Tech HQ is an Indiana-based non-profit focused on cultivating, growing, and accelerating the sports tech ecosystem here in the state. We believe that Indiana, and Indianapolis in particular, has all the right ingredients to be a hub for sports innovation."

"Our core mission is to support innovation and entrepreneurship in sports technology by creating an environment where companies can thrive. That means connecting them with capital, mentorship, access to industry partners, and a rich pipeline of talent. We serve as a connector and amplifier—helping startups find their footing and scale, while also attracting companies from outside the region who want to be part of this growing ecosystem."

Q3. Why should any sports tech startups consider opening an office in Indiana?

"Indy has a rich legacy in sports—from hosting Final Fours and Super Bowls to being the home of the NCAA and USA Track & Field. That infrastructure and institutional knowledge creates a fertile ground for sports tech companies to test, grow, and succeed."

"What sets us apart is our accessibility. You’re not fighting for air time with a thousand other companies. You can actually get in the room with the right partners, whether it’s a college athletics department, a pro team, or a governing body. There’s a strong culture of collaboration here."

"And on top of that, Indiana's affordability and quality of life make it a great place to live and run a business. You get top-tier resources and connections without the high overhead costs of New York or San Francisco. Even our international partners appreciate that in Indiana, you can scale fast, yet still tap into elite sports and facilities".

Q4. What are your plans for the next 24 months?

"Over the next 24 months, our primary focus is on attracting more startups. We’d love to bring in 10 to 15 new sports tech companies, whether they’re homegrown or coming from outside the region."

"We’re also working on a physical innovation hub—an actual space where startups can collaborate, test their products, and engage directly with teams, leagues, and researchers. That kind of environment can be a real accelerant for early-stage companies."

"Beyond that, we’re building deeper relationships with college and pro teams, not just locally but globally. We want to help startups validate their products in live environments and create a launchpad for them to scale. Everything we do is about creating frictionless pathways for innovation to move from concept to deployment."

Q5. Which areas of sports tech are you the most excited about?

"I’m really excited about the wearables and data analytics space. The ability to collect real-time, actionable data on athlete performance, recovery, and injury prevention is game-changing. We’re just scratching the surface of how that kind of data can be used to optimize training, reduce injuries, and extend careers."

"Another area I’m watching closely is fan engagement—particularly how technology is evolving to meet fans where they are. Whether it’s through mobile platforms, immersive viewing experiences, or even the metaverse, the way fans interact with sports is changing fast. That creates a huge opportunity for innovation."

"Lastly, athlete health and wellness is becoming an increasingly important space. Mental health platforms, recovery tools, and AI-driven diagnostics are all areas where we’re seeing real momentum. These innovations aren’t just nice to have—they’re becoming essential to how athletes train and perform."

Q6. What sports tech startups are you excited about right now?

"We’re seeing some really exciting startups come through Indiana, and we’ve had the chance to work closely with a few of them."

"One I’d highlight is Ganance - a wearable‑tech startup that’s built a tiny, modular health‑tracker sensor you stick onto the back of any watch—so you can turn your favorite timepiece into a full‑blown smartwatch without giving up style".

"We’re also proud of DaVinci Wearables - a women’s health tech startup that is embedding AI‑driven sensors into everyday undergarments and athletic apparel to track menstrual cycles, hormonal fluctuations, and vital signs in real time, then delivering personalized, adaptive health and performance insights through their mobile app."

"Another one that stands out is RefReps—they’re tackling the shortage of sports officials by using virtual simulation training. That’s a real-world problem that tech is helping solve in a scalable way."

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