For Casey Metoyer, sport science involves turning data into decisions that help athletes perform their best. He brings this passion for knowledge and application to Samford University's new Master of Science in Performance and Applied Sport Science (MSPASS), where he helps students connect scientific principles with real-world performance.
Metoyer brings experience from professional and collegiate athletics, including roles as a sport scientist with Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer and as coordinator of applied sport science research and interdisciplinary performance initiatives at the University of Notre Dame.
Beginning his first year as associate professor at Samford, Metoyer shares what led him to the field, what he enjoys about teaching and how experiences shape his classroom approach.
What inspired you to pursue a career in sport science?
Metoyer: I've always been fascinated by the intersection of science and human performance. Early in my career, I realized that sport science provides an incredible opportunity to answer meaningful questions using data while making a direct impact on athletes and teams. Combining research with real-world application has made this field both professionally challenging and incredibly rewarding.
What continues to excite you about the field today?
Metoyer: Sport science is constantly evolving. Advances in wearable technology, biomechanics, artificial intelligence and data analytics continue to reshape how we understand training, recovery, health and performance. What continues to excite me most is working alongside high-performance teams—including strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, physicians, dietitians, sport psychologists and researchers—to translate those innovations into practical solutions. Ultimately, the goal is to provide coaches and athletes with meaningful insights that support better decisions, enhance performance and promote long-term health.
What do you enjoy most about teaching kinesiology and sport science?
Metoyer: The best part of teaching is watching students connect concepts learned in the classroom with real-world situations. I enjoy helping students develop critical thinking skills while demonstrating how principles in kinesiology and sport science can directly improve performance, health and decision-making. Seeing students gain confidence and discover their own passion for the field is incredibly rewarding.
What drew you to Samford?
Metoyer: Samford’s commitment to academic excellence, Christian values and student-centered education made it an easy decision. I wanted to be part of a university where mentorship is valued as much as scholarship and where I could continue building meaningful relationships with students while helping prepare them for successful careers.
My faith has also played an important role in shaping how I approach my work, relationships and desire to serve others. At Samford, I look forward to growing alongside students and colleagues as we pursue excellence, grow in our faith and make a positive impact on those around us.
How do you hope to make an impact on students in Samford's Department of Kinesiology?
Metoyer: My philosophy is simple: be systems-driven, data-informed and action-oriented. I want students to learn how to think critically, evaluate evidence, communicate effectively and solve complex problems. Beyond technical knowledge, I hope to help students develop the professionalism, curiosity and integrity that will serve them throughout their careers.
Describe Samford in one word.
Metoyer: Purposeful. Every interaction I've experienced reflects an intentional commitment to excellence, service and developing students not only as future professionals but also as individuals of character.
Metoyer's experience in professional and collegiate athletics gives MSPASS students a firsthand look at how sport science is used to support athlete performance. Through hands-on learning, students apply scientific data in real-world settings and prepare for careers in the field.
The one-year, 35-credit-hour MSPASS program prepares students for careers in sport science by teaching them to use scientific data to enhance athletic performance, optimize recovery and reduce injury risk. Graduates are equipped to pursue opportunities in collegiate and professional sports, as well as other performance-focused settings.
