Using predictive models and trend tracking tools, the research team explored whether performance dips could serve as early warning signals. Tention emphasized that the goal was not to keep athletes off the court, but to support smarter workload management and rehabilitation decisions.
“If we can get ahead and adjust workloads or rehab plans much sooner, it takes into consideration the health of the player,” she said. “Something that looks small can actually go much deeper.”
Tention presented her findings at KSU’s Analytics Day, where she earned first place for the second consecutive year. Although she admitted feeling anxious at first, the experience quickly became affirming.
“At first it feels like you’re being judged,” she said. “But once you realize people are actually interested, it turns into telling the story of your work.”
Mentored by principal lecturer Michael Frankel and associate professor Austin Brown, Tention found inspiration in seeing how passion and expertise can intersect across disciplines.
“When you have a passion for something, you can apply your skills to that field,” she said.