Innovation Heroes: Here’s why USWNT goalkeeper Casey Murphy loves data and AI

Whether it’s in the boardroom or locker room, staying ahead of the competition requires more than experience and intuition-based decision-making. Data and AI are now essential ingredients for beating the opposition — and soccer star Casey Murphy and her trainer Mike Olim are doing just that.

In this episode of Innovation Heroes, Casey Murphy, goalkeeper for the North Carolina Courage and the U.S. Women’s National Team, and Mike Olim, Founder and Director of Operations of AP2T, discuss how data analytics are revolutionizing how we compete.

Using data to drive training

Advances in sports technology have equipped athletes and coaches with precise tools to refine their training. Mike highlighted how data pinpoints an athlete’s strengths and areas for improvement.

“For Casey, we identified imbalances and worked on maximizing performance by tailoring workouts to her unique needs,” he explained. Casey, too, noted the impact, saying, “The data not only helps me see where I’m at but gives me confidence in how my body is performing.”

Enhancing performance and recovery

Wearables and analytics tools are redefining how athletes manage their fitness and recovery, giving them real-time insights into their performance. Casey shared her experience with Whoop, a new generative AI tool she wears during training and even under her goalkeeper gloves during games.

“It tracks my recovery, strain, and even practice intensity, helping me stay on top of my fitness,” she explained. These insights allow Casey to fine-tune her workload, ensuring she’s pushing herself just enough to improve without risking overtraining.

Mike highlighted the importance of using AI-infused technology not only for recovery but also for injury prevention and performance optimization.

“We monitor things like force plate jumps, hamstring strength, and shoulder stability to make sure everything is in balance,” he said. “It’s like making sure all parts of a machine are working in harmony so nothing compensates for something else, which can lead to injuries.”

The role of data in the competitive edge

Beyond training, data analytics play a critical role in preparing athletes for competition, offering insights that can mean the difference between victory and defeat. For Casey, these tools provide a detailed understanding of her opponents before stepping onto the field.

“Before games, I get detailed reports on opposing strikers — whether they favor the left or right, their penalty tendencies, and more. It’s a crucial edge at the international level where the margins are slim,” she explained.

Mike Olim expanded on how this data informs training and strategy. “For goalkeepers like Casey, it’s not just about reacting in the moment but preparing with precise information. Understanding an opponent’s tendencies and analyzing their patterns enables athletes to anticipate and execute with greater confidence,” he said.

Looking ahead

As Casey eyes future milestones like the World Cup and the Olympics, technology remains a key part of her strategy. “From now until 2027, I’ll rely heavily on tech to track my progress and ensure I’m prepared to reach new heights,” she shared. Mike summed it up best: “Data allows us to take the guesswork out of training, optimizing every moment we spend preparing athletes.”

In sports and beyond, technology isn’t just a tool — it’s a game changer. With leaders like Casey Murphy and Mike Olim leveraging its power, the future of athletic performance looks brighter than ever.

Listen to the full conversation here. You can also find episodes on SHI’s Resource Hub, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, as well as on YouTube in video format.

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