UNLV ATHLETICS TO PARTNER WITH SWITCH TO ADVANCE STUDENT-ATHLETE EXCELLENCE AND CROSS CAMPUS COLLABORATION
Support from cutting-edge company establishes UNLV at the forefront of sports science research and innovation
@UNLVAthletics | @UNLVRAF | @Switch
With their mutual commitment to innovation and technology to drive new levels of performance, Switch and the UNLV Athletics Department have formed a dynamic, life-changing partnership that embodies both excellence and community impact. With Switch’s underwriting, the Lied Athletic Complex will be home to state-of-the-art technology, highlighted by the Switch Sports Science Studio – a future hub of innovative, interdisciplinary collaboration to personify the power of a truly transformational partnership.
UNLV’s 515 student-athletes will be the principal beneficiaries, with support from Switch fueling facility upgrades essential to student-athlete success.
“The Switch Sports Science Studio will serve two essential purposes,” said UNLV Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois. “Foremost, it will allow us to increasingly use data to optimize student-athlete performance. It will also enable important work with Switch and our campus colleagues to advance innovation and expand our winning edge in key areas such as high-altitude training, hydration and recovery.”
On the research front, this public-private partnership has leveraged the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) support to launch the Sports Research and Innovation Initiative. The initiative represents a new and important point of convergence with Switch. Las Vegas is emerging as an epicenter of sports, with UNLV positioned to elevate competitive athletics as a key catalyst for economic growth and diversification.
Newly appointed UNLV Vice President for Economic Development Bo Bernhard is intimately familiar with the Las Vegas economy, and has long seen sports as a path to essential diversification.
“Las Vegas is quickly becoming a global intellectual and entertainment capital for sports,” said Bernhard, “and that is why I am so very excited about our Sports Research and Innovation Initiative. Equally exciting is the trajectory of our athletics department under Desiree’s leadership and the opportunity that we have – together with Switch – to establish Las Vegas as the primary source of sports-related technology that will shape the industry going forward.”
Switch shares the enthusiasm, with the Switch Sports Science Studio as a critical first step toward broader community goals.
“Our company’s success reflects a leadership culture and a company-wide commitment to excellence,” said Switch President Thomas Morton. “We are equally devoted to the success of our community and investing in UNLV represents an investment in the future of Las Vegas and in the critical effort to diversify our economy.”
Rebel Athletic Fund members can take an inside look at the Switch – UNLV Partnership by registering for the Switch Sports Science Speaker Series, set for Friday, February 12, at noon via Zoom. RSVP to [email protected] to participate and see a truly transformational partnership at work.