Speakers

Dr. Anthony Acevedo is a distinguished researcher, educator, and practitioner in human performance, sports nutrition, and exercise science. With a wealth of knowledge and experience spanning over two decades, he has made significant contributions to the military, academia, research, and the practical application of sports science principles. Dr. Acevedo is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and expertise that led to obtaining a master’s degree in nutrition and business management and a Ph.D. in Human Performance. Currently, Dr. Acevedo is supporting Patriot H2F as the Program Director. Previously he was the lead scientist for 19^th Air Force and the CRAFT program. He also is an Adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University and an advisor of the POWER Lab/SWAHA Club, which guides students in conducting research and teaches courses in Exercise & Physiology, and Advanced Nutrition.

He holds several professional licenses and memberships, including being a Licensed Dietician Nutritionist (LDN), a member of the American Nutrition Council (CNS), and an affiliate of the National Strength & Conditioning Association (CSCS) and the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN).

The science of sport and a passion for biomechanics have driven Yusuf throughout his life and taken him to the National Basketball Association and beyond. A graduate of Mississippi State University (BS in Fitness Management),

Yusuf earned his Master of Science Degree in Human Kinetics from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, focusing on Psychology/Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity. While at UWM he also completed their accredited Athletic Training Education Program. Yusuf put that education to good use as an assistant athletic trainer, spending five years with the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association.

Looking to make a change, Yusuf transitioned to the business world, building several businesses from the ground up and consulting with industry professionals on emerging technologies. Currently, Yusuf serves as Head of Tactical for VALD, -an objective measurement technology organization. Yusuf has years of experience as a successful business professional that stems from his natural ability to influence others through the development of strong, long-lasting relationships. He succeeds

in maintaining a high level of professionalism and exudes an infectious level of self-confidence in others. He displays a high level of integrity that provides a consistent focus on quality and client satisfaction.

He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and an eight-year veteran of the Army Reserves. A self-proclaimed “car guy” and avid cyclist, Yusuf enjoys cooking and spending time with his family at their home in Charlotte.

Reuben F. Burch V, Ph.D. is the Associate Vice President for Research in the Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State University. He is the Executive Director and founder of the Athlete Engineering Institute which headquarters the statewide workforce training program, AiM UP: Advancements in Manufacturing Upskilling Program. Burch continues to serve as an associate professor in the Industrial & Systems Engineering department, holds the Jack Hatcher Endowed Chair for Engineering Entrepreneurship, and is a civic leader to the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. Since moving to academia, he has been awarded $35M in funding, published over 100 journal articles, and been awarded nearly 50 patents. Prior to his start as a professor in the Fall of 2016, Dr. Burch spent 14 years working for and with global Fortune 500 companies in research and development areas such as virtual reality design, weapons systems and training, satellite systems and geospatial data, high-value financial software systems, logistics technology and management, autonomous vehicle design, wearables, and human performance.

Scott has been practicing physical therapy since 2004, spending over 20 years working in the US Army. He completed his initial training through the University of Kentucky in 2004, then completed a Sports PT residency at West Point through Baylor University in 2013. He is board certified in Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Scott most recent role was leading a comprehensive human performance team for an elite Special Operations Command.

Scott’s philosophy is to integrate expertise, data, and technology across physical therapy and performance training to allow people to achieve and sustain their highest performance capability. He believes that fitness/performance and rehabilitation occur as a continuum with physical therapy being an adjunct to performance, providing skilled services to enable rapid return to training/performance rapidly and effectively for long-term impact.

Dave Goto is a seasoned executive with two decades of expertise in brand and content marketing within the sports, health, and wellness sectors. His career highlights include impactful roles at Red Bull, Lululemon, Oura Ring and now is the VP of Marketing at a groundbreaking light wellness company leveraging science www.in.to.  At Red Bull North America, he spearheaded sports marketing initiatives and played a key role in launching the Red Bull Media House and High-Performance program. At Lululemon, he was instrumental in expanding the brand’s global market presence by engineering powerful word of mouth marketing. At ŌURA, he developed a successful marketing strategy, secured $10M in strategic funding, and built a network of over 1,000 notable figures. Currently, Dave consults on marketing strategies for early to mid sized companies and serves on advisory boards for the International Hyperbaric Association, Momentous Supplements & Ozlo Sleep. He is also a dedicated husband and father of three.

Master Sergeant Christa Groom

Mississippi Highway Patrol

With 21 years of Law Enforcement experience I am currently assigned to the Mississippi Highway Patrol Training Academy as a TAC Officer. As a Training Coordinator, I assist with developing the Daily Physical Fitness workouts for the Cadets. I became certified in 2022 as a Law Enforcement Fitness Coordinator, and my training also extends to CrossFit Instruction. I received my CF-L2 Level Two Trainer Certificate for CrossFit in March 2024. I also hold six other CrossFit Trainer Certificates over the last 5 years. Whether coaching Cadets, fellow officers, or fitness enthusiasts, I am dedicated to building mental toughness and peak performance in those I train by combining tactical fitness with real world functionality.

Andrea Hudy re-joined the UConn women’s basketball program as the Director of Sports Performance for Women’s Basketball in May 2021. Hudy, who earned her master’s degree from UConn in 1999, returns to Storrs after previously working with the Huskies from 1995-2004, helping three teams capture eight NCAA Championships. She was the primary sport performance coach for the 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004 women’s basketball National Championships, as well as the 1999 and 2004 men’s basketball National Championships and the 2000 men’s soccer National Championship.

In 27 seasons of collegiate strength and conditioning coaching, Hudy has trained 51 former student-athletes who have gone on to play in the NBA and 21 who have gone on to play in the WNBA. Hudy spent the past two seasons as Head Coach of Basketball Strength and Conditioning at Texas. In her role with the Longhorns, she oversaw the strength and conditioning program from both the men’s and women’s basketball programs and was the primary sport performance coach for the men’s basketball team. Prior to Texas, Hudy spent 15 years as the strength and conditioning coach for Kansas men’s basketball. In her time with the team, the Jayhawks produced 35 NBA Draft picks, including 11 Lottery selections, and won the 2008 NCAA Championship.

In 2017, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) honored Hudy with the Impact Award, given to an individual whose career has greatly contributed to the advancement of the national or international strength and conditioning or fitness industries. In the summer of 2014, her book, Power Positions, was published. In January 2013, she was named the National College Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year by the NSCA for her dedication to improving athletic performance with safe and effective science-based programs. Hudy graduated from Maryland, where she was a four-year letterwinner in volleyball, in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. She earned a master’s degree in sport biomechanics from UConn in 1999 and an MBA from Kansas in 2019.

In 2022, Dr. Hurt joined Columbus Ortho from his position as an orthopaedic surgeon and Assistant Professor of Sports Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation. While practicing in Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Hurt served as the head team physician for Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, various high school athletic programs, and the Mississippi Braves (AA Professional Baseball team). He now extends his expertise to local junior high schools, high schools, Mississippi State University, and Mississippi University for Women.

Dr. Hurt thrives on tackling a diverse range of oethopaedic challenges, whether treating athletes, injured workers, or retirees. His clinical interests span shoulder and knee conditions, sports injuries, and both adult and pediatric care. He is skilled in managing ligamentous knee injuries (including ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL tears and dislocations), meniscal tears, patellar instability, cartilage injuries, knee and shoulder arthritis, shoulder instability, and rotator cuff pathology. Dr. Hurt also performs cartilage restorations procedures and has expertise in orthopaedic biologics such as stem cells and PRP. He is committed to providing personalized care and ensuring accessibility for his patients.

Dr. hurt, a native of Clinton, Mississippi, earned his degree in Biology, Finance, and German form the University of Alabama. He completed his medical degree at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham. Dr. Hurt began his orthopaedic surgery training at the University of Florida Health-Shands in Jacksonville before transferring to Tulane University in New Orleans to be closer to his wife. He completed his residency at Tulane, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. Hurt furthered his expertise with a fellowship at Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Jackson. He recently completed an MBA form Millsaps College – Else School of Management.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Hurt served as President of the Mississippi Orthopaedic Society and the President of the Board of the Mississippi Baptist Children’s Village. He is also active in his church, where he taught a growth group class and a children’s Bible Drill class and served as a deacon.

Dr. Hurt is married to Dr. Christy Hurt, a board-certified dermatologist who has relocated her practice to Starkville. Together, they enjoy spending time with their four children: James, Luke, Mary Harper, and Abigail. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Hurt enjoys hunting, golfing, and following sports.

Michael A. Mydlo, MS, CPSS, CSCS, is a dedicated sports science professional currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Mississippi State University, where he also serves as a Sports Science Fellow with the Olympic sports teams. With a strong foundation in exercise science, Michael has accumulated diverse experiences in strength and conditioning and sports science across various prestigious institutions, including the UFC Performance Institute and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His expertise spans physiological profiling, performance assessment, and sports science technology implementation. Michael is also an active member of several professional organizations, contributing to both academic research and the development of future practitioners.

Terry Prentice was named Deputy Athletics Director & General Manager of Athlete Brand Services and Business Development on Sept. 11, 2023. In his role, he provides oversight of Bulldog Athlete Services, which encompasses academics, letterwinner engagement, NIL, sports medicine, sports nutrition, sports psychology, strength and conditioning and student-athlete experience. He also serves as the sport administrator for football.

Prentice comes to Starkville from the University of Arkansas where he most recently was the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Athlete Brand Development and Inclusive Excellence. Prentice served as a member of the Athletic Director’s Cabinet and Senior Staff. He led the Athlete Brand Development unit, which manages Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) activities and initiatives while also being the sport administrator for the men’s and women’s track and field and cross-country programs.

From 2018-2021, Prentice held multiple senior leadership positions at the University of Kansas. He was a member of both the Executive Staff and External Leadership Team and served as a major gifts fundraiser for the department and the sport administrator for men’s and women’s track and field and cross country. In addition, he worked closely with the Human Resources and Student-Athlete Development units in leading diversity initiatives.

Before Kansas, Prentice worked in fundraising with the Razorback Foundation and with the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation at the University of Mississippi. During his time with the Razorback Foundation (2014-18), he helped raise support as part of several major campaigns, including a $160 million renovation and expansion of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium as well as various track and field projects, including the $15 million Frank O’Mara Track & Field High Performance Center.

Prentice was a student-athlete at the University of Arkansas and was an All-SEC and Honorable Mention All-American decathlete. From 2009-12, he helped the program claim five Southeastern Conference championships in indoor and outdoor track and field and served as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

A native of Pomona, California, Prentice earned his bachelor’s degree in history in 2012 and master’s degree in sports management in 2014 from the University of Arkansas.  He and his wife, Deanna, have a son, Tristan.

David Saucier brings to the table an interdisciplinary skillset based on his experience working with engineers of various disciplines, kinesiologists, fashion design/textile experts, and strength and conditioning coaches of various sports through Mississippi State University’s Athlete Engineering Institute. He acquired his BS and MS in Computer Engineering from MSU and has previously worked in software development at ADTRAN, Inc. As manager of the Athlete Engineering Research Lab, David mentors students across multiple disciplines on how to use gold-standard human performance equipment, with a variety of studies and projects focused on validation and feasibility of novel human performance and wearable technologies. Most recently, he has worked in the tactical athlete sector to use human performance technologies to assess injury risk as well as utilize data to inform training decisions.

Promoted to Associate Head Coach on January 20th, 2022, Nick Zimmerman has been an integral part of the Bulldog soccer program since January 23, 2019. Previously, he honed his coaching skills as an assistant coach at Columbus State University from 2015 to 2018.
 
Zimmerman has a rich background in developing talent, coaching 31 Peach Belt All-Conference award winners, 23 DII All-Region winners, 10 DII All-Americans, and six DII Scholar All-Americans. He also coached two Elite 90 Award winners and the Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year.
 
Zimmerman specializes in working with the Bulldogs’ forwards and midfielders, a focus that has yielded impressive results. In the 2023 season, he played a pivotal role in leading the Dawgs to score 26 goals, with an impressive .421 shots on goal percentage. State pushed the pace, averaging 12.2 shots per game. His contributions were a key factor in the Mississippi State Soccer Staff being named the 2023 NCAA Southeast Staff of the Year by United Soccer Coaches. The team achieved a historic milestone by being ranked 14th in the nation by both United Soccer Coaches and TopDrawerSoccer, marking the first end-of-season ranking in program history.
 
In the 2022 season, his offensive strategies brought the Bulldogs to life, achieving 282 shots and 123 shots on goal, both ranking ninth in school history. The team’s 28 goals also made the top 10, marking the first time since 2018 that the Bulldogs outscored their opponents by more than five goals.
 
During his third season, the Bulldogs adopted a more aggressive offensive approach, with 194 shot attempts and 88 on goal. Despite the challenges of the 2020 season due to the global pandemic, Zimmerman led the team to a strong finish. Over a 13-game season, the Bulldogs averaged 1.38 goals per game and 12 shots per game. The spring segment was particularly notable, with 11 different players assisting on 11 goals across four matches and seven different goal scorers.
 
Zimmerman’s first season in Starkville was marked by setting new program records for goals, assists, and points in conference play. The Bulldogs averaged 15.1 shots per game in SEC play, ranking fourth in the league. His technical guidance was evident as nine Bulldogs scored at least once in 2019, including six first-time scorers, and 16 players recorded points, the highest since 2008.
 
Before joining Mississippi State, Zimmerman was pivotal in building a top-three scoring offense at Columbus State University. The Lady Cougars set a program record of 96 goals in 2016, leading the nation with 4.0 goals per game, and improved to 4.05 goals per game the following year. His tenure at CSU included multiple championships, including the Peach Belt Conference regular season and tournament championships, and a national championship appearance.
 
In addition to his college coaching experience, Zimmerman has worked with Region II, US Soccer NTC, and ID2 US Club Soccer. He has been on staff at elite camps at the University of Virginia and Florida State University and served as the head coach for the Georgia Girls’ Olympic Development Program (ODP) 2000 Team. He is also a U.S. Soccer Federation coaching course instructor and has been part of the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Ranking and Awards Board. Zimmerman holds a USSF “B” License.
 
As a player, Zimmerman was a standout at James Madison University, earning All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) rookie team recognition, two All-CAA selections, and one All-Region honor. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and sports management, he was drafted by the New York Red Bulls in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and later selected by the Philadelphia Union in the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft. He played with Carolina Railhawks FC in the NASL, earning NASL Best XI honors in 2012 and finishing second in the Golden Boot race. His professional career concluded with the Wilmington Hammerheads in the USL in 2015.
 
A Tampa, Florida native, Zimmerman also represented the U.S. U-15 National Team in 2001. His extensive playing and coaching experience make him a valuable asset to the Mississippi State Bulldog soccer program.