Advice for Aspiring Performance Analysts: Volunteer and Iterate

Do you dream of working with elite athletes?

If you’re the analytical type, a career as a Performance Analyst could be just for you. To find out exactly how to get there and what it’s like, we’ve called on Shane Liyange, the champion Analyst of Australian Open winner, Aryna Sabalenka.

Shane’s experience:

• Bachelor of Laws / Masters of Sport Analytics
• Paralegal at Norton Rose Fulbright
• Financial Analyst at Australian Federal Government
• Business Analyst at Victorian State Government
• Analytics Lead at Cricket Australia
• Performance Data Scientist at Tennis Australia
• Founder and Principal Consultant at Data Driven Sports Analytics

We talk about Shane’s journey from law to sport, how he learnt to be an incredible analyst, getting his first professional athlete client, and tips, tricks and habits that keep him at the top of his game.

If you aspire to be a Performance Analyst or want new insight into the numbers behind professional tennis players, dive into this chat with Shane Liyange.

We cover:

(04:18) - SportsGrad Community Update

(11:49) - Interview with Shane Liyange

(11:53) - Working on the Australian Open with Aryna Sabalenka

(16:44) - Career journey from Paralegal to Founder and Performance Analyst

(20:56) - Shane’s approach to data analysis

(21:56) - How to analyze an upcoming opponent 

(24:37) - The relationship between a coach and an analyst

(27:02) - Typical day in the life of a Performance Analyst, and unique insights of tennis

(37:48) - Shane’s work habits that keep him productive

(41:52) - Key tools and platforms for analysis 

(46:32) - How content creation led to new professional tennis clients 

(48:15) - Best advice for people looking to get into Performance Analytics

(53:56) - ASK SPORTSGRAD

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Additional episodes you might enjoy:

#206: Libby Owens (Champion Data) - How to get into sports analytics

#142: Binuk Kodituwakku (Adelaide FC) - How Analytics guides AFL list management

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This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.au

Thanks for listening! You’re all legends.

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