by Dr. Liz Wanless, director of the Sports Innovation Institute
My First Semester: A Thrill Ride in Indianapolis Sport Innovation
Reflecting on my first semester as Director of the Sports Innovation Institute and Associate Professor at Indiana University Indianapolis, I am struck by the dynamic opportunities, inspiring connections, and the extraordinary support that have defined this new chapter in my career. From day one, the fast-paced energy of this sports-obsessed city swept me up and set the stage for me to join the richly woven fabric of Indiana University Indianapolis and Indianapolis sports.
Kicking Off at the NCAA
My very first day on the job set the tone for the semester. My office for the mid afternoon was the NCAA offices. I witnessed the Applied Master’s degree sport analytics specialization students presenting live. Guided by Dr. Geoffre Sherman, these students showcased their ability to analyze complex media inquiries and statistics. Their technical expertise and poise underlined the Applied Data Science master’s program’s commitment to preparing students for competitive careers in sport analytics. Being in proximity to the NCAA headquarters, literally in the backyard of the Natatorium where I work, reinforced my excitement about the sport industry opportunities at our doorstep.
Indiana Sports Corp: A Vision for the Future
Another pivotal moment came with the Indiana Sports Corporation’s 2050 vision presentation to position Indianapolis as the global epicenter of sports. The sheer energy of prominent sport professionals united around this ambitious goal was contagious. The collaborative effort to transform this vision into reality is an invitation to integrate deeply into the Indianapolis sport community, a landscape like no other. Planning the action steps for the follow-up Industry Academic Summit solidified the connection between academia and industry, paving the way for a premier academic-industry space.
Partnerships, Projects, and Early Wins
The fall semester brought early success and validation for the potential of our lab. We secured $70,000 in contractual partnerships, including a $10,000 semester-long project and a multi-year $60,000 collaboration. These partnerships not only funded six student positions but also enabled interdisciplinary initiatives, such as sponsoring cross-discipline design and analytics students in the NFL Big Data Bowl. These deep data dives into economic impact as well as event ticket price patterns as sport events approach underscore the lab’s capacity to drive sustainable growth and innovation. An overseas sponsorship valuation project for an F1 car is only a start to our going global.
Immersed in the Indianapolis Sports Ecosystem
Each day brought unique reminders of Indianapolis’ rich sports culture, from passing the iconic Indy Speedway on my commute to participating in the 2026 Final Four planning kickoff meeting. The meeting showcased the city’s high expectations for sports event planning and its commitment to city-wide improvements—a testament to why Indianapolis is a leader in sports.
Backed by an All-Star Team
It didn’t take long to notice the incredible support within the School of Health and Human Sciences and the Luddy School of Informatics. From Department Chair David Pierce to Associate Dean Peter Altenberger to Dean Rafael Bahamonde to Vice Provost Jay Gladden, their encouragement of creative, industry-involved education and research has been invaluable. This atmosphere of collaboration and trust fuels innovation and positions our institution as a hub for sport education and impact.
Operation Next!
Reuniting with colleagues and alumni from Ball State and Ohio University reminded me of how preparation meets opportunity. This semester has been a reminder of the power of collaboration, the importance of community, and the potential of sport to drive innovation and connection.
As I look ahead, I am excited to build on this momentum, fostering deeper ties with the Indianapolis sport community and expanding the reach and impact of the Sports Innovation Institute. Here’s to an incredible start and an even brighter future.
#Indy4Sports #IUIndySHHS
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