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Graduate student pursues sports dream thanks to 91����'s flexible data analytics program

Have a conversation with Lillian Case, a student in 91����’s new Master of Science in Data Analytics Program, and you’ll quickly realize her passion for sports.

It’s that passion, in part, that brought the 22-year-old to 91���� after completing her dual-major B.S. degree in business analytics and strategic communication at Juniata College. Case wanted to play a fifth year of field hockey as she had one season of NCAA eligibility left after a lacrosse injury kept her on the sidelines for a year. 91���� afforded her the opportunity and flexibility to do it while learning more about a field in which she wanted to gain more knowledge and experience: data analytics.

Case is among the first group of graduate students to enroll in the online program, with an anticipated completion of May 2027. After graduation, she’d love to land a position in sports analytics. If she had her choice, it’d be in the professional sports arena. Being a Reading, PA, native and a Philadelphia sports fan, she’d especially enjoy working for the Philadelphia Eagles or Phillies. She recently received another boost in that area, accepting a position with the NCAA as a post-graduate intern in Governance and Member Services beginning in June.

Her enrollment at 91���� was a call back home for Case, daughter of Victoria Williams, an 91���� political science professor and director of the Honors College.

“Me and my sister would play school in the classrooms and that sort of thing, so I’ve grown up around 91����,” she said. “When I was looking at master’s programs, my mom was like, ‘Well, you know, we’re still here. It’s not that far. You could live at home.’ So, it worked out the best for me.”

While previously not a fan of online coursework, Case said her experience at 91���� has changed her view.

"I have enjoyed the program for its organization and accessibility," she said. "Our Canvas page is easy to follow, and the lessons are well-explained. If a student needs additional help or has questions, Professor Durant offers office hours virtually or in-person, which is helpful for both local and non-local students. He is also quick to answer emails and has reminders for each week’s assignment, which is helpful for staying on track. It’s been nice to bridge that gap between online and in-person.”

She also thinks it’s a great base entry program for anyone interested in learning more about data analytics as it starts with fundamentals and builds upon them in a way that makes it easy for students to succeed.

The flexibility of the program enables her to pursue her other passions.

“Outside of 91����, I am the chair of NCAA's Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which allows me to represent the voices of student-athletes on a national level and lead each of our 43 members," she said. "I often travel out to NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis to attend committee meetings."

At 91����, she’s also a graduate assistant with Facilities and Operations, gaining experience with and aiding in event planning.

As for what makes 91���� unique, Case feels it’s all about the focus the university puts on the student experience, tailoring it to work for each individual. She’s the perfect example of just that.