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4-Mar-12-2026-04-22-13-5758-PM

THE 3 Worlds of Sport Science Virtual Conference 2026

APRIL 22
3:00-6:30 PM EST

FREE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

In Collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh's Master's in Sport Science and Strength & Conditioning Program.

ACADEMIC, APPLIED, & ANALYTICAL

Sport science is emerging as an essential requirement for any high-performance organization. Join us and learn from 3 industry experts in 3 areas of sport science, at both collegiate and professional settings in the 3 Worlds of Sport Science: Academic, Applied, and Analytical. Listen to their experiences, learn how they provide sport science in the environments, and gain valuable real-world insight. Expand your knowledge of available opportunities within sport science!

During the conference, the 2026 Emerging Sport Science Professional Scholarship recipient at the University of Pittsburgh will be announced, a scholarship supported by Hawkin Dynamics. Learn more about this scholarship below!

‣  What sport science is, and what it can mean in different markets.

‣  How to use data‑driven training and long‑term development principles to build resilient, high‑performing athletes

‣  Practical frameworks for developing robustness

‣  Key strategies for developing young coaches

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Nick Ripley
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Dr. Nicholas Ripley Lecturer in Sport Science/Strength and Conditioning, University of Salford"Bulletproofing the Chain: Data-Driven Strategies for Hamstring Resilience and Athletic Performance"
Dr. Nicholas Ripley Lecturer in Sport Science/Strength and Conditioning, University of Salford
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Brenna MacDonald Director of Olympic Sports Strength and Conditioning, University of Pittsburgh"Developing Young Coaches"
Brenna MacDonald Director of Olympic Sports Strength and Conditioning, University of Pittsburgh
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Paudie Roche Founder and director of Coach Roche Performance LTD"Long Term Athletic Development and Its Role in Developing a Robust Athlete"
Paudie Roche Founder and director of Coach Roche Performance LTD

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dr Nicholas Ripley is a Lecturer of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Salford. Nicholas has an extensive applied experience across a range of sports including rugby, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, judo, wrestling and MMA, currently working for British Lacross and Manchester United along with his full time academic role. Nicholas is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach in which he has recertified with Distinction (CSCS*D) and a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) with the NSCA and an Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach (ASCC) with the UKSCA. Nicholas is current combat sport athlete, competing in grappling based sports (including Judo and wrestling). He has also represented Great Britain at the 2019 Kurash World Championships in South Korea.
Brenna MacDonald joined the University of Pittsburgh strength and conditioning staff in February of 2022. She has since been promoted from Senior Assistant Strength Coach to the Director of Olympic Sports Strength and Conditioning. At Pitt, Brenna trains the men and women's soccer teams and has oversight of the full-time staff, s&c fellows, and runs the staff continuing education and social media initiatives. Prior to Pitt, Brenna worked at the University of Kentucky for 6 years where she earned her master's degree and completed internships at the University of Iowa and University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh. Brenna is a native of West Chicago, Illinois.
Paudie Roche is a high‑performance specialist with over 20 years of experience supporting elite athletes across football and rugby, including the UEFA Champions League, Rugby World Cups, and the Six Nations. He is the Founder of CoachRochePerformance Ltd, a FIFA Women’s National Team technical expert, and former Physical Performance Lead at Arsenal Women’s Football Club. Paudie has held senior roles with Arsenal FC and the Irish Rugby Football Union and was named UKSCA Coach of the Year for Youth Sport in 2015.

The Emerging Sports Science Scholarship

The Emerging Sports Science Professional Scholarship is provided by The University of Pittsburgh for a student pursuing the MS in Sport Science. This scholarship is supported by Hawkin Dynamics. Hawkin Dynamics is committed to progressing the industry of sport science and is proud to support aspiring professionals. Stay tuned to find out this year's recipient! 

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