Wisconsin Badger Volleyball is one of the best volleyball programs in the nation. School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) student Harshet Anand is using his passion for data analytics to support their success.
A senior from Houston, Texas, Harshet is majoring in Computer Sciences and Data Science, with a certificate in Economic Analytics. He chose to attend UW–Madison because of its excellence in data science.
“UW-Madison offers one of the most well-established and renowned data science programs in the country, especially at the undergraduate level. The program’s reputation for blending cutting-edge research with practical, hands-on learning opportunities made it the perfect place for me to build a strong foundation in data science and apply my skills in meaningful ways,” says Harshet.
He chose to study both Computer Science and Data Science to combine all of his diverse passions, including sports, music, and video games.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the logic behind both music and games, as well as the strategic planning involved in sports. These interests naturally led me to explore how I could use data and technology to uncover patterns, solve problems, and create meaningful solutions in the fields I care about,” says Harshet.
Harshet’s passion for using data to solve problems has led him to sports analytics, where he currently serves as the Data Analyst Intern for the Badger Volleyball Team. In this role, he works extensively with volleyball match data, focusing on efficiently cleaning and preprocessing the data to ensure accuracy and quality. He then extracts valuable insights that directly inform the team’s strategies and game planning.
“The critical task of data cleaning has helped me refine my analytical skills and develop a deeper understanding of how clean, high-quality data is essential for generating reliable insights and driving impactful decisions,” says Harshet.
Harshet says that data analysis can significantly impact sports by providing actionable insights that provide better decision-making.
“I’ve seen the real-world effect of how data analysis has transformed volleyball. We now use advanced statistics like attack efficiency ratings and heat maps of player movements. Teams can now optimize rotations, identify opponent tendencies, and reduce injury risks by monitoring player workloads and jump counts,” says Harshet.
Harshet is one of the many CDIS students who pursue multiple majors or certificates. He says that studying both computer and data science has provided him with a well-rounded skillset that enables him to tackle challenges from both a practical and theoretical perspective.
Harshet also serves as a peer mentor for the Data Science program, is a member of the Data Science Club and the Artificial Intelligence Club, and has held a variety of professional roles in data analytics. Most recently, he worked as a Data Science Intern at QBE Insurance.
“I’ve been able to apply my classroom knowledge in diverse professional settings. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding but also allowed me to see how my skills can make an impact in real-world scenarios,” says Harshet.
He recommends that other CDIS students make the most of the diverse range of opportunities available on campus.
“These experiences help you explore your passions and gain practical knowledge in industries you may not have initially expected to be interested in but may find you enjoy. Taking advantage of these opportunities will not only enhance your skills but also give you valuable insights into different fields before you graduate,” says Harshet.
After graduation, Harshet would one day like to use his expertise to advance the intersection of data and sports.
“I believe there is tremendous potential for data science, analytics, and machine learning to transform the sports industry, and I’m eager to be part of that evolution,” says Harshet.