Sayville High School Hosts First Sports Analytics And Business Conference

SAYVILLE, N.Y. — Sayville High School, in partnership with the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame, recently 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 introduced students to the rapidly evolving fields of sports analytics, data science, artificial intelligence, and the business side of athletics. Through panel discussions and keynote sessions, students engaged directly with industry professionals, asked 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, along with Chris 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,” Sznitken said. “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 included Sayville teachers and coaches Rob Hoss and Deb Urso, alongside former Sayville students Justin Liu and Stephen Reinstein. Liu is a physician assistant specializing in sports injuries, while Reinstein is the chief executive officer of Market Muscles, a digital platform supporting karate schools and dojos.

A second roundtable followed, featuring Dr. Ryan Cox, athletic director of Sayville Public Schools; Tom Combs, executive director of Section XI; Michael Pfaff, president and chief executive officer 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 led by Caryn Landau, a former NBA licensing executive who now owns and operates a sports memorabilia business.

Throughout the day, students participated in discussions highlighting diverse career pathways within sports, from education and athletic administration to professional leagues, health care, marketing and entrepreneurship.

School officials said the conference marked a significant step in expanding experiential learning opportunities for Sayville students and reinforced a shared commitment between Sayville High School and the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame to education, innovation and career readiness in the world of sports.

“Providing students with authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom is a priority at Sayville High School,” said Principal Stephanie Bricker. “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.”