Sayville High School, in partnership with the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame, hosted its first-ever Sports Analytics and Business Conference, welcoming nearly 100 student-athletes and sports analytics students for a full day of immersive learning, discussion, and career exploration.
The conference was designed to introduce students to the rapidly evolving fields of sports analytics, data, artificial intelligence, and the business of athletics. Through panel discussions and keynote speaker sessions, students engaged directly with industry professionals, asked thoughtful questions, and explored real-world applications that connect classroom learning to careers in sports.
The event was organized by Sayville High School sports analytics and mathematics teacher Adam Sznitken as well as Chris R. Vaccaro, president of the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame.
“This conference gave our students a firsthand look at how analytics, data, and business intersect with sports at every level,” said Sznitken. “By hearing directly from professionals with such diverse backgrounds, students were able to see clear and realistic pathways from what they’re learning in the classroom to meaningful careers in the sports industry.”
The program featured three main segments. The first roundtable began at 9 a.m. and included Rob Hoss and Deb Urso, both Sayville teachers and coaches, alongside former Sayville students Justin Liu and Stephen Reinstein. Liu is a physician assistant specializing in sports injuries, while Reinstein is the CEO of Market Muscles, a digital platform supporting karate schools and dojos.
The second roundtable began at approximately 10:10 a.m. and featured Dr. Ryan Cox, athletic director of Sayville Public Schools; Tom Combs, executive director of Section XI; Michael Pfaff, president and CEO of the Long Island Ducks; and Rick Cole Jr., vice president and director of athletics at Hofstra University.
The conference concluded with a featured speaker session at approximately 11:30 a.m. led by Caryn Landau, a former NBA licensing executive who now owns and operates a sports memorabilia business.
Throughout the day, students participated in meaningful discussions that highlighted diverse career pathways within sports, from education and athletic administration to professional leagues, health care, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
“Providing students with authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom is a priority at Sayville High School,” said Stephanie Bricker, Sayville High School principal. “This conference showcased the power of community partnerships and demonstrated how innovation, education, and athletics can come together to inspire our students and prepare them for future success.”
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