You never know where your education could take you! Senior Mathematics and Computer Science major, Lauren James, found herself smack on the sidelines of the professional football team, the San Francisco 49ers. James hustled to find meaningful employment opportunities for the summer of 2021. Through an online recruiting system, Teamwork One, James found such an opportunity.
James used statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, and R programming skills acquired from her Taylor University undergraduate studies to aid her in her summer work. These skills helped her analyze a large set of tracking data, which in turn provided meaningful information for the 49ers’ Research and Development Department.
James’s experience enabled her to gain a deeper knowledge of the field of sports analytics and an intimate perspective on how National Football League organizations operate. Along the way, she met some incredible people.
What advice would James give to readers like you interested in this field? “Work crazy hard and be willing to learn! Find your passions and pursue them. The major sports organizations (NFL, NBA, MLB, etc.) seem large, but in reality, they are small worlds, so networking is important! Being a kind person with high character will take you a long way. Of course, always trust in God’s plan for your life. He will do more than you could ever imagine!” Clearly, the Lord has blessed James’s heart for Him and for her study of mathematics.

