WVU Baseball’s Data-Driven Hub
6m 50s
Despite the limitations of winter weather in Morgantown, the WVU baseball team is preparing for their upcoming season using the WVU Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center. Opened in March 2025 near Kendrick Family Ballpark, this indoor facility provides a crucial advantage for northern schools by allowing year-round training. The center is equipped with advanced analytics tools, including KinaTrax motion capture cameras, Trackman technology, and force plates. These tools allow the staff to quantify joint angles, rotation rates, and ground force production, creating a detailed "skeleton" of a pitcher's delivery that can be compared to MLB averages. This high-tech environment has attracted current players, recruits, and former Mountaineers now playing professionally, such as Paul Skenes, who utilize the facility to fine-tune their mechanics.
The application of this data is managed carefully to maximize development without causing information overload. Dr. Courtney Semkewyc, the lead biomechanist, and Director of Pitching Chris Reilly collaborate to translate complex 13-page data reports into digestible drills for the athletes. For example, they have helped pitcher Reese Bassinger adjust his ground reaction force to direct energy toward second base rather than vertically. This data-driven approach allows the staff to establish a performance baseline for each player, making it easier to identify mechanical flaws if a player falls into a slump or to detect high-stress indicators—such as excessive elbow torque—to prevent injuries before they occur.
While the primary focus is on pitching, the facility also services position players and hitters. The center features Swing Catalyst force plates recessed into the batting cages, allowing hitters to optimize their power transfer and swing paths. Although the staff acknowledges the challenge of replicating the adrenaline of a live game in an indoor setting, the facility serves as a comprehensive development hub. It allows players to train from the moment they arrive on campus through their professional careers, ensuring that coaching decisions are backed by precise, objective data rather than just observation.