The West Virginia University School of Sport Sciences and the WVU Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center are partnering to elevate sport sciences education and baseball performance by combining science, technology, and applied learning to set new standards in athletic performance and professional preparation across all disciplines in the School of Sport Sciences.
A key component of the partnership is a new role that connects the School of Sport Sciences and the Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center. This position will lead the center’s daily operations while contributing to teaching, research, and outreach in sport biomechanics and related areas.
The role prepares tomorrow’s workforce by enhancing student learning in emerging and established technologies, sport analytics, and data-informed decision-making, while supporting the WVU baseball program with advanced biomechanical evaluations and data-informed training. Technologies like motion capture systems, high‑speed cameras, and force plates will help improve player performance and reduce injury risk.
“This partnership enhances athletic performance while advancing our academic mission, creating unparalleled opportunities for students pursuing careers across the sport industry,” said Dana Voelker, director of the School of Sport Sciences. “Performance, education, outreach, and research are the foundation of this collaboration, and with a dedicated position in a world‑class facility, we’re strengthening both the student experience and the impact of sport sciences at WVU.”
“Partnering with Dana Voelker and the School of Sport Sciences will allow us to leverage data and create player development systems only available at WVU,” said head baseball coach Steve Sabins. “We will be the first university in the country to have a full‑time biomechanist dedicated to baseball. Our players and state deserve the best and that’s exactly what this facility and partnership represents. None of this would be possible without the generosity of Ken Kendrick and other lead donors. West Virginia is a special place. And now, it’s even more special.”
The partnership is anchored by an 8,200‑square‑foot, state‑of‑the‑art facility, outfitted with cutting‑edge performance technology—including Trackman, force plates, motion capture systems, and advanced data analysis tools. The facility not only enhances player evaluation and training capabilities but also serves as an innovation hub for students and faculty in the School of Sport Sciences.
This partnership underscores WVU’s commitment to advancing both athletic excellence and applied academic innovation in sport sciences.
