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Instructor/Advisor

Dr. Nicholas SantaBarbara

Keywords

Athlete monitoring, strength and conditioning, performance optimization

Abstract

This project aims to bridge the gap between sport science and coaching by developing a data-driven strength and conditioning approach tailored for ice hockey athletes. As an aspiring strength and conditioning coach, my goal is to optimize performance, reduce injury risk, and enhance athlete well-being through evidence-based training methodologies. Central to the project is the use of the Just Jump Mat (JJM) and ice time tracking to monitor athlete readiness and recovery. By conducting countermovement jump (CMJ) tests twice a week—post-weekend and midweek, I assess neuromuscular fatigue and adjust training protocols accordingly. A drop in jump height greater than two inches signals fatigue and triggers recovery strategies. Ice time and training load data are analyzed alongside jump test results to identify trends and fine-tune individual athlete programs. Future directions include expanding data collection to include sleep, nutrition, subjective wellness, heart rate variability (HRV), and biomarkers. Ultimately, this project serves as a foundation for creating a comprehensive athlete monitoring system that can be applied across various sports. By integrating research into practical coaching, this work supports long-term athlete development and promotes a modern, science-informed approach to performance training.

Bridging Science & Coaching

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