AI-Powered Athletics is an interdisciplinary group of researchers and sport scientists dedicated to enriching the University of Florida’s research, education, and athletic community with innovative research and training in athletic performance, AI, and technology.
We are building a comprehensive collegiate athletic databank by combining athletic, sports medicine, and academic data from Gator student-athletes to support their performance and drive innovative, interdisciplinary research.
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Our Mission
Empowering Research and Performance with Data
We’re creating the UF Athletics Databank; a comprehensive resource for researchers and our Gator teams.
Internal Support for UF Athletics
We’re striving to optimize the student-athlete experience at the University of Florida by harnessing advanced technology, data analytics, and cutting-edge AI. Our mission is to enhance athlete wellness, reduce injury, and foster team success.
Data Management, Security and Ethics
We aim to be a leader in the secure and ethical handling of student-athlete data.
Collaboration and Impact
We will create a collaborative ecosystem between academic researchers, athletic personnel and teams, administrators, and external partners, to drive impact through publications, policies, research, and innovation.
Research, Education and Mentorship
We will generate new opportunities for educational and professional growth through hands-on research, student mentorship, and industry partnerships, empowering the next generation of interdisciplinary leaders in sports and AI.
21
Teams
Our databank supports consistent and scalable analysis across diverse populations and performance environments.
500+
Student-Athletes
We’re committed to the growth of every student-athlete, providing the tools and data needed to optimize their athletic achievements and educational outcomes.
1 TRILLION+
Data Points
All data is securely stored on HiPerGator, the most powerful university-owned and operated supercomputer in the nation.
Latest News
November 16th, 2025
This study examines how continuous wearable data is shared and managed in elite U.S. collegiate sports, revealing key privacy considerations and offering recommendations to better align data practices with athlete privacy.
October 28th, 2025
Spencer Thomas, Dr. Garrett Beatty, and Dr. Jennifer Nichols presented “AI-Powered Athletics: Data, Ethics, and Responsibility” at the 2025 Times Higher Education Global Summit in Toronto, highlighting UF’s commitment to ethical and data-driven innovation in collegiate athletics.
September 15th, 2025
UF’s Explore Magazine highlights the AI-Powered Athletics project.
August 12th, 2025
New research explores how NCAA Division I coaching staff adopt and integrate technology to support decision-making, athlete management, and communication in collegiate sports.
May 9th, 2025
Mollie Brewer and Kevin Childs share insights from their qualitative research on collegiate coaching practices at CHI 2025 in Japan.
May 1st, 2025
UF graduate student supports championship season with data insights from the university’s elite sports performance and analytics program.
March 19th, 2025
UF’s AI-powered analytics, driven by wearable sensors and supercomputing, are revolutionizing performance across all Gator sports, including the men’s basketball team’s National Championship run.
July 19th, 2024
Graduate students Mollie Brewer and Kevin Childs are bridging the gap between engineering and athletics to enhance UF’s AI-powered sports research.
July 1st, 2024
UF is advancing the future of the Olympics by integrating AI with inclusive sports research, benefiting both elite and para-athletes.
February 8th, 2024
UF’s $2.5 million initiative integrates AI and wearable technology to transform student-athlete health and performance.
February 6th, 2024
UF’s $2.5 million initiative integrates AI and wearable technology to transform student-athlete health and performance.
January 18th, 2024
Bridging science and sport, UF and Gators are pushing the boundaries of performance with analytics-driven collaboration.
January 5th, 2024
An inside look at the vision, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration behind UF’s groundbreaking Strategic Sports Initiative.
January 5th, 2024
A bold new UF initiative is bringing cutting-edge AI and data science to the heart of athletic performance and sports research.Stay informed
Fill out the Community Interest Form to receive updates on the AI-Powered Athletics initiative.
Current Projects
Our Team
Directors
Faculty and Staff
Garrett Beatty, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (HHP)
Kristy Boyer, Ph.D.
Professor (CISE)
Kevin Butler, Ph.D.
Director of the Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research (CISE)
Cecilia Durst
Software Developer
Daniel Ferris, Ph.D.
Robert W. Adenbaum Professor in Engineering Innovation (BME)
Stacey Higgins
Associate Athletics Director (UAA)
Zach Smith
Data Management Analyst
Dave Werner
Associate Athletics Director (UAA)
Students
Noah Adelson
B.S. Student (CLAS)
Mollie Brewer
Ph.D. Student (CISE)
Kevin Childs
Ph.D. Student (CISE)
Troy Kelly
Ph.D. Student (BME)
William Potter
B.S. Student (MAE)
John Spurrier
M.S. Student (CISE)
Recent Publications
- Mapping the Flow of Information from Continuous Wearables: Insights from Elite Collegiate Athletes in the United States
- A Qualitative Examination of the Evolving Role of Sports Technology in Collegiate Coaching
- Coach, Data Analyst, and Protector: Exploring Data Practices of Collegiate Coaching Staff
AI-Powered Athletics: A collaboration between the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and the University Athletic Association